What Does It Take To Become An Astronaut?

It is often the dream of many children to take a trip in to space as an astronaut, but more often than not - it stays a dream. The opportunity to become an astronaut may appear to be out of reach, but in many instances this dream can become a reality.

The idea of becoming an astronaut may appear to be a little farfetched but in recent years there has been an increase in the need of astronauts, meaning there is a growing opportunity for those to do what is required to become a qualified astronaut.

Type of Astronauts

If you are considering becoming an astronaut, it is essential that you look at the specific roles set out. An astronaut is a term that derives from the Greek words meaning 'space sailor' and refers to all who have been launched as crew members aboard NASA spacecraft bound for orbit and beyond.

The various categories of astronauts are as follows:

• Commander
• Pilot
• Mission specialist
• Payload specialist

Commander and Pilot Duties & Requirements

Pilot astronauts serve as both Space Shuttle and International Space Station commanders and pilots. The main responsibilities of a commander during a space flight are to care for the vehicle, crew, mission success and the safety of the flight.

The pilot assists the commander in the controlling and operating of the vehicle. Further technical activities may also be controlled by the pilot.

To be considered as a pilot or commander, the following requirements are needed:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable but not essential.
• At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft is required. Flight test experience is highly desirable, but not essential.
• You must have the ability to pass a NASA physical which is similar to military or civilian flight physical. Specific standards include:
• Distant visual acuity: 20/100 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 each eye.
• Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position.
• Height between 62-75 inches.

Mission Specialists Duties & Requirements

Mission specialists' responsibilities will differ slightly to pilots and commanders. They will have overall responsibility for coordinating any operations or tasks when on flight. Specific tasks will include: systems, crew activity planning, consumables usage, and experiment/payload operations.

To be considered as a mission specialist, the following requirements are needed:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematic. Degree must be followed by at least three year of related, progressively responsible, professional experience. An advanced degree is desirable and may be substituted for part of or all of the experience requirement.
• Ability to pass a NASA space physical, which is similar to a military or civilian flight physical. Specific standards include:
• Distance visual acuity: 20/200 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 each eye.
• Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position.
• Height between 58.5-76 inches.

Payload Specialists Duties & Requirements

Payload specialists are persons other than NASA astronauts that have specialised onboard duties. These specialists may be added to shuttle crews if activities that have unique requirements are involved and more than the minimum crew size of five is needed.

NASA will consider qualified mission specialists first to take the place of a payload specialist.

Editor's Note: G&O Springs produces stainless steel springs for aircrafts and spacecrafts. They find the concept of space travelling extremely interesting.