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Want to Become an Astronaut? You Might Be More Qualified Than You Think
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to become a NASA Astronaut? We’re accepting applications starting March 2, and we’re encouraging all eligible Americans to apply by March 31!
It’s an incredible time in human spaceflight to be an astronaut. With Artemis, our sights are set on the Moon – to stay – by utilizing sustainable lunar missions, and you could be one of the humans on the surface! During their careers, this next class of astronauts may also fly on any of four different U.S. spacecraft: the International Space Station, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and our Orion deep-space exploration vehicle; They will be at the cutting edge of a new era in human exploration.
So, still interesting in joining our ranks as an Artemis generation astronaut? Here are a few things to note.
Myths about becoming an astronaut:
MYTH: All astronauts have piloting experience.
FACT: You don’t need to be a pilot to be an astronaut. Flying experience is not a requirement, but could be beneficial to have.
MYTH: All astronauts have perfect vision.
FACT: It’s okay if you don’t have 20/20 vision. As of September 2007, corrective surgical procedures of the eye (PRK and LASIK), are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects.
MYTH: All astronauts have advanced degrees like, a PhD.
FACT: While a Master’s degree from an accredited university is necessary, the requirement can also be met with the completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
MYTH: Astronauts are required to have military experience in order to be selected.
FACT: Military experience is not required to become an astronaut.
MYTH: You have to be a certain age in order to be an astronaut.
FACT: There are no age restrictions. Astronaut candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34.
Okay, but what are the requirements?
The basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship and a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, from an accredited institution. The requirement for the master’s degree can also be met by:
Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work toward a Ph.D. program in a related science, technology, engineering or math field;
A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree;
Completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
Candidates also must have at least two years of related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astronaut candidates must pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical.
Applications for our next Artemis astronaut class open on March 2! Shoot for the stars and visit: https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts
Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com
Astronaut out! Thank you for all the amazing questions.
Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com
Hello Dr Kate Rubins, why conduct your researches in space? What is there in space that you need for your research? Best regards.
When you went into space for the first time, what was it like? Were you nervous?
Other than joy, why do you do the things you do?
What is your advice to someone who wants to follow the same steps you take?
What's something you didn't know about being an astronaut before you actually became one? Do you have any words of advice for young astronauts?
What popular film is the closest to reality for you?
What does it feel like to float?? Do you have trouble adjusting to walking on the earth after that ??
How does it feel to into space for the first time? Like liftoff and leaving earth’s atmosphere? It seems like the world’s terrifying roller coaster, but what’s it really like?
Hey, Kate! What would you say/what advice would you give to your younger self? ✨
Hii! I'm unsure if you've been asked this before, but I'd like to give it a shot anyway. What's the greatest legacy you hope to leave to the future generations? Whether it's one of the things you've accomplished already or are hoping to accomplish yet. Thank you very much!
Is your health affected from being in outer space?
Why's your suit so colorful?
I’m sure you’re trained so that nothing in space is really a surprise, but: was there anything about spacewalking that surprised you when you did it for the first time?
What was your first thought when you first saw earth from space? And what realizations did you have?
Have you ever had to troubleshoot a problem in space?
As an astronaut who has been on a spacewalk before, what does the all-woman spacewalk mean to you?
What is like to be surrounded by the stars and darkness? Is it terrifying or calming?
How could your research in diseases help missions to the Moon, Mars and other places in our solar system?
3, 2, 1 LIFTOFF! Astronaut Kate Rubins is here answering your questions during this Tumblr Answer Time. Tune in and enjoy. 🚀👩🚀
What has been the best memory you have so far at NASA?
What responsibility and duties does your job include?
What was your favorite part of being a Flight Director?
... and we’re ‘GO’ for launch! 🚀
NASA Flight Integration Chief and past Mission Control Flight Director, Ginger Kerrick, is here answering your questions during this Tumblr Answer Time. Tune in and join the fun!
That’s a wrap! Thanks for all the great questions.
Follow Serena on Twitter at @AstroSerena and follow the International Space Station on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to keep up with all the cool stuff happening on our orbital laboratory.
How does the whole sleeping situation work with 0 gravity, or do sleep mid air?
Hello Serena! I was wondering if given the chance would you be apart of a mission to mars in the near future, and if you could bring a personal item with you what would it be?
What does actually launching into space feel like?