How to become an astronaut?

They say that sky is the limit. We have reached far beyond, into space! Though a very challenging job, becoming an astronaut is the ultimate dream. Neither does that happen overnight nor is it easily accessible to all. Thousands of people apply each year, however, only a small percentage of applicants become candidates for further selection and training. A career like this requires years of education, training and basic qualifications. Candidates make attempts for as much as 10 to 15 years to get there, bearing all failures and remarks of people around.

However, one should always remember – ‘better late than never!’ and should keep going until the goal is reached. In today’s time, it is majorly about academics. Education qualification and performance over the years have become a critical deciding factor.

While the overall eligibility criterion for selection is same throughout the world, each space agency has its own selection process. Military and Civilian applicants are the two classes of astronaut applicants and for either, getting relevant education and experience in school is a must. Civilian applicants apply to NASA directly while the Military ones have to go through a different process based on their branch and work in the armed forces.

Since the emphasis on studies and learning is so much, NASA and other agencies have always made it clear to the applicants that any financial crisis won’t hinder the path to their dreams as the government or military aids their education, if needed. They help the kids pick up qualifications and show their capabilities.

According to NASA, the background of education doesn’t matter but the astronauts should at least have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. They have a list of exceptions to these degrees such as geography. NASA also wants at least three years of related, responsible and professional experience as well as at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. They consider advanced degrees equivalent to this experience. A master’s degree equals to one year of experience while a doctorate, three years of experience.

Passing a demanding physical test is also a must. One has to be in extremely good shape as it is very expensive to make any sort of emergency return to Earth from space in case of a medical emergency in orbit. Candidates have to demonstrate vision accurately, distant as well as near. It should be correctable to 20/20 in both the eyes. The blood pressure must not exceed 140/90, measured I a sitting position. Also, the height of the candidate must be between 62 to 75 inches (157.5 to 190.5 centimeters). Interviews are also conducted during the selection process to figure out the psychological state of the applicant and decide whether is fit to work as an astronaut or not. NASA always looks for good work ethic in people. Good work skills and a love for learning are needed personality traits.

Just a selection doesn’t allow one to be a full astronaut yet. Two years of basic training is a must, as specified by NASA. Scuba diving, military water survival training, swimming tests, Russian language training and basic classroom learning about the International Space Station and spaceflight are all compulsory. Moreover, the candidates are also exposed to high and low temperatures and atmospheric pressures in the training period. Furthermore, they are not assigned to a flight for years. Candidates must pick up more and more skills that they will need for their time in orbit and thus, they just back up other astronauts in the orbit. They spend time at many international space agencies gaining knowledge. Also, all of them have to maintain a flight proficiency on T-38 aircraft by flying it a certain number of hours each month.

Training for a mission takes another couple of years. They prepare by doing simulation after simulation to learn the things for real and get live experience. Mock drills for are conducted for every situation that might occur there in the space and thus, they get training individually as well as with other crewmates. Basic damage control methods are taught. They also have to practice meal preparation, trash management, equipment storage and operations and even use of camera in zero gravity environment.

The human body needs to adjust and survive in such situations comfortably and it is the biggest challenge, physically as well as mentally. Mission or a typical spaceflight these days lasts for six months but can be prolonged for a year as well. Time floats around slowly in zero gravity!