Education and Career Forum

how to get a job in space as an astronauts.i wants to become an astronauts who will done a research in space by walking through the space.how to fulfill my this thinks through the aerospace engineering in isat

Originally Posted by gigy johnson

how to get a job in space as an astronauts.i wants to become an astronauts who will done a research in space by walking through the space.how to fulfill my this thinks through the aerospace engineering in isat

Be a citizen of a country which has a space agency capable of sending humans to space.

In order to be an astronaut, you must be a citizen of a country that can send humans to space, either through its own space agency or a space agency of another country that has agrrements with it. Examples of this are NASA and ROSCOSMOS, of USA and Russia respectively, which are capabale of human space flight, China has a manned space flight capabilities too. And ESA of the European Union, which collabrates with other agencies to send its astronauts aboard their rockets

Astronauts go through very specialized and intense training to prepare for these space missions. They must pass certain physical requirements as well as comprehensive academic and mental exams. Astronauts fly to various destinations to conduct research and experiments. These missions may vary and therefore the actual focus and responsibilities of the astronaut will change with each mission.

There are various roles that an astronaut may serve as as a part of the spacecraft’s crew, ranging from a mission specialist to a commander. The more experience and background that an astronaut has, the more responsibilities that astronaut may have. Not only are astronauts responsible for fulfilling the terms, or purpose, of their mission, but they are also responsible for ensuring safety of the spacecraft and the crew. They help each member of their crew to maintain normal functions and to stay safe to work through the missions. Astronauts often will observe the environment they fly to, taking something from there or bringing something back there.

Astronauts must go through training for each mission that they serve on. They must ensure that they maintain appropriate physical shape, as that comes into play for successfully flying on the spacecraft and carrying out the missions.

Training/Educational Requirements


Though the minimum educational requirement for an astronaut is a bachelor’s degree, there is usually a more specific focus preferred than that. Though it is not necessarily always spelled out, it is preferred if an astronaut has a bachelor’s degree in a space-related focus, such as math, biology or some other form of science, engineering, or even psychology. Many astronauts have advanced degrees.

The training program is the most intense part of the requirement for astronauts. Astronauts must be in excellent physical shape, and this may be a focus of their training program. They must pass physical exams to be selected for a mission. Astronauts must follow a very stringent training program as set forth by NASA that involves comprehension exams, physical exams, and tests knowledge and abilities in a variety of different areas. Passing these exams and the overall training program is an extremely important measure to meet. Astronauts will be trained in simulation exercises so that they can get the feel of being in space, and so that they are prepared for the work that lies ahead of them. Initial and ongoing training is an extremely important part of the job as an astronaut.

How to Get Hired


The best way to get hired initially is to show great promise in a related field. The educational requirement is part of the equation, as is working in the field. It can help to work previously in a field such as engineering or piloting, if one wants to become a mission specialist. To be hired as an astronaut pilot or mission commander, actual flying experience and a solid background in a related field will become an important consideration. As an astronaut gains more experience, she or he may move on to different roles with increased responsibility.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development


Though it is a rather competitive field, there is always a need for astronauts. Once in the field, there is great chance of career advancement and stability. Once astronauts are selected to work as part of a crew, that experience becomes quite valuable in getting hired and selected for further missions.