How to Become an Astronaut
Learn about this out-of-the-world job from the ground up.
There are a lot more perks and hard work when you look at how to become an astronaut. The competition is high, and being chosen is a true advantage. NASA employs about 17,000 for all of its duties in space exploration on the ground. With all those employees, how hard is it to become an astronaut? The administration receives more than 18,000 applications each year from candidates who want to explore the final frontier. There are about 45 active astronauts, and another 25 or so are employed but no longer eligible for flight assignments.
If you’re interested in learning how to become an astronaut or working in the aerospace field, here is some information that can help you pursue this out-of-the-world career.
What Is an Astronaut?
The word “astronaut” is rooted in the Greek language and means “space sailor.” Astronauts are in a special unit that works for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the U.S. government agency in charge of the space program. They are designated as the “space sailors” this country sends to the moon and other places in the solar system to explore and gather research. Before being chosen to become astronauts, they are scientists, engineers, pilots, military personnel, physicians, and physicists.
What Do Astronauts Do?
You probably think of an astronaut as someone who explores outer space. But one of the first things you’ll learn about becoming an astronaut is that you’ll spend more time on the ground than in the cosmos. Astronauts research and prepare for future space missions, they take part in flight simulations, test equipment, and evaluate new equipment prototypes. They also interact with astronauts at the Space Station, fly jets, and train for being in space by walking underwater
Astronauts’ work hours and work environment can vary greatly. What does an astronaut do while they’re on the ground? They work a regular workday at the Astronaut Corps at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston where they may be carrying out experiments or training for their next mission.
Before going on special missions, all NASA astronauts spend time working on the International Space Station. This station is a laboratory 240 miles above Earth that continually orbits our planet. Astronauts have conducted more than 3,000 scientific experiments and have made about 20 breakthroughs over the past 20 years at the Space Station. Some of these include important findings about Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, asthma, and heart disease. They have discovered ways to treat muscle atrophy and have learned how to grow food in lower gravity
How to Become an Astronaut
A high-level of education, being a stand-out in your field, and intensive training after NASA hires you are all-important for how to become an astronaut. Here are the basic astronaut requirements.
Personal Requirements for Astronauts
You’ll need to fulfill a few requirements before you can be considered as a candidate for astronaut jobs. First, you must be a U.S. citizen. You must have 20/20 eyesight and good overall health and fitness since you’ll have to pass a NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical. The astronaut height limit is between 62 and 75 inches. Finally, you must be 30-to-55-years old.
Educational Requirements for Astronauts
Before applying to NASA, they must have logged 1,000 hours as a jet aircraft pilot and have a master’s degree in a STEM field such as biological or physical science, engineering, or mathematics. You can also qualify by having completed a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Teachers in the STEM fields are also considered.
NASA Training Requirements for Astronauts
After you’ve completed all these prerequisites, you’re not done! Once you’ve been accepted into the astronaut program, you’ll spend another two years in NASA astronaut training. This highly specialized instruction includes classes in the basic requirements to be an astronaut:
- military water survival
- robotics skills
- space physiology and medicine
- simulation facilities training
Along with the technical skills and education, it’s important for astronaut candidates to have leadership, teamwork, and communications skills.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Astronaut?
It takes about 11 years to become an astronaut. Before you apply to be an astronaut candidate, you will need to spend several years preparing:
- Four years to complete your bachelor’s degree.
- Two years to earn a master’s degree in a STEM field.
- At least two years of STEM-related professional experience or at least 1,000 hours in a jet aircraft as pilot-in-command.
Once you’ve completed the education requirements, you will rack up time applying to be an astronaut candidate and training if you are accepted:
- NASA estimates that it takes up to 13 months for them to review your application and have you undergo some screening activities, including psychological testing and allergy tests.
- If you are accepted as a candidate, you will go through two years of NASA training that include 300 hours of work in virtual reality simulators and robotic arm operations.
How Much Do Astronauts Make?
NASA’s astronaut pay is anywhere from $104,898 to $161,141 per year, based on the Federal Government General Schedule Pay Scale that puts astronauts at GS-13 to GS-15.
Want to know what you might make as an aerospace engineer or a physicist? Look at the Monster Salary Guide for your salary in your area.
How to Find Astronaut Jobs
Once you’ve checked off your requirements for becoming an astronaut, you’ll need to be flight-ready with a resume that shows off your qualifications. You can start with a general aerospace resume. Use it as an example or download the template. To match your resume with an attention-getting cover letter, take a look at Monster’s cover letter tips for solid advice, then zero in on the perfect cover letter sample or template.
Once you’ve got your application package in order, you can start your job search on the NASA job site or on Monster. Look at current listings for aerospace jobs.
NASA has operations in 12 states. BLS identifies the top five locations based on number of employees are:
Monster Is Ready to Launch Your Astronaut Career
If you’re dreaming of how to become an astronaut, start your voyage with Monster. Check out current job postings. While you’re at it, be sure to let recruiters know your aim is to be in space. Just complete your Monster profile so they can find you. We’ll be able to send you career advice and job postings, straight to your inbox.