How to Become a NASA Astronaut: A Step-by-Step Guide

Flying into space, piloting spaceships, visiting and studying the galaxy and stars has become the dream of many children, whether they belong to the Gen X, Millennial generation or Gen Z, especially with the strong influence and spread of era-defining cultural publications such as the Star Wars, StarTrek or Battlestar Galactica series.

In the current era, astronauts are a quite special profession with equally special requirements. Join us to find out what you will need to become an astronaut at NASA – the leading space research agency in the US and the world.

In the USA, astronauts are federal employees and their salaries are determined by the U.S. government pay scale, specifically the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which is used for most civilian federal employees. Here’s an overview of the salary range and other financial aspects:

• Salary Range: The salary of a NASA astronaut typically falls within the GS-12 to GS-13 range, depending on their experience, education, and rank. As of 2023, this corresponds to a salary range of approximately $86,000 to $132,000 per year. More experienced astronauts, especially those with military backgrounds, may earn at the GS-14 or GS-15 level, which ranges from $110,000 to $165,000 per year.

• Military Astronauts: If an astronaut is an active-duty military service member, their salary will be based on their military pay grade and years of service. However, they may receive additional allowances for special duties associated with their role as an astronaut.

Additional Benefits

Aside from their base salary, astronauts receive several benefits and allowances:

• Health and Life Insurance: Astronauts are eligible for federal health insurance and life insurance plans, which provide coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

• Retirement Plan: NASA astronauts, like other federal employees, participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a pension plan, Social Security benefits, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) that operates similarly to a 401(k) plan.

• Paid Leave: Astronauts receive paid leave, including annual leave (vacation days), sick leave, and paid federal holidays.

• Training and Travel Allowances: Travel expenses for training, simulations, and public appearances are typically covered by NASA. Astronauts may also receive per diem allowances for food and lodging when traveling for work.

• Post-Mission Bonuses and Awards: After completing space missions, astronauts may receive bonuses, special awards, and additional compensation for their service and accomplishments.

If you still want to become an astronaut and work at one of the leading space research agencies in the US and the world like NASA, don’t miss the information below:

NASA recruitment timeline

NASA does not hire new astronauts every year. Instead, it opens the application process every 4 to 5 years, based on its mission needs. Here’s how the typical recruitment process works:

• Announcement of Application Period: NASA announces when it is looking for new astronauts on its website, social media, and other public platforms. The announcement includes the dates for the application period, which usually lasts 6-8 weeks.

• Application Submission: During this time, candidates can submit their applications through USAJOBS, the official job site of the U.S. government.

• Initial Screening (3-4 Months): After the application period ends, NASA reviews the applications to check if candidates meet the basic requirements. Only those who qualify move on to the next stage.

• Interview and Selection Process (1 Year): Qualified candidates are invited to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for a series of interviews, assessments, and medical exams. This stage can take up to a year and includes:

• Technical and Behavioral Interviews: Candidates are tested on their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership qualities.

• Medical Examinations: Comprehensive physical and psychological exams are done to ensure candidates can handle the physical and mental demands of space travel.

• Skills Evaluation: Candidates participate in practical tests like water survival training, flight simulations, and emergency preparedness drills.

• Final Selection (Up to 18 Months): After all interviews and assessments, NASA selects a final group of astronaut candidates (usually 10-15 people) who are then offered positions as astronaut trainees, also known as “Astronaut Candidates.”

• Astronaut Candidate Training (2 Years): The selected candidates undergo around two years of training at the Johnson Space Center. This training covers spacecraft systems, spacewalking techniques, robotics, Russian language skills, and more. After successfully completing this training, they are officially recognized as astronauts and become eligible for space missions.

Requirements for Becoming a NASA Astronaut

To become a NASA astronaut, candidates must meet specific education, experience, physical, and other requirements:

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Dual citizenship is acceptable.

• Education:

• A master’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) from an accredited institution. This can include fields such as engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.

• Alternatively, two years of work toward a Ph.D. program in a related STEM field, completion of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, or completion of a nationally recognized test pilot school program can also meet the educational requirement.

• Professional Experience:

• At least two years of professional experience in a STEM-related field or a minimum of 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.

• Experience in environments that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities under stress, such as military service, medical practice, or field research, is highly valued.

• Physical Requirements:

• Candidates must pass NASA’s long-duration spaceflight physical examination. Requirements include:

• Height between 62 and 75 inches (157 to 190.5 cm).

• Blood pressure not exceeding 140/90, measured in a sitting position.

• Vision correctable to 20/20 in each eye.

• Personal Qualities:

• Strong communication skills, adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively under pressure and in challenging environments.

NASA Standard training phases

To become a NASA astronaut, candidates undergo extensive training that includes both basic and advanced phases. This training is designed to prepare them for the challenges of space missions, from operating spacecraft to performing complex scientific experiments.

Basic Astronaut Training (Approx. 2 Years)

1. Introduction to NASA and Spacecraft Systems

• Overview: New astronaut candidates receive an introduction to NASA’s mission, structure, culture, and goals. They also learn about the spacecraft systems they may operate, including the SpaceX Crew Dragon, Boeing CST-100 Starliner, and the Orion spacecraft.

• Content:

• Familiarization with NASA’s facilities, such as the Johnson Space Center.

• Learning about spacecraft operations, navigation, communication, and life support systems.

For more information, visit this link: https://science.nasa.gov/learn/basics-of-space-flight/

2. Physical Fitness Training

• Overview: Astronauts must maintain excellent physical health and fitness to handle the demands of space travel.

• Content:

• Regular cardiovascular, strength, and endurance training.

• Swimming exercises, such as completing laps in flight suits and water survival training.

• SCUBA diving certification, to simulate weightlessness experienced during spacewalks.

3. Survival Training

• Overview: Candidates learn essential survival skills for emergency situations during takeoff, landing, or after re-entry.

• Content:

• Water and land survival training, including escaping from a spacecraft in water.

• Training in various environments, such as deserts and cold climates, to prepare for different emergency scenarios.

4. Spacewalk (Extravehicular Activity or EVA) Training

• Overview: Astronauts learn how to perform tasks outside the spacecraft, such as repairs or scientific experiments.

• Content:

• Practice in NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), a large pool where astronauts practice spacewalks underwater, simulating the weightlessness of space.

• Training with spacewalk tools, suits, and equipment to get comfortable working in a pressurized spacesuit.

5. Robotics Training

• Overview: Astronauts learn to operate robotic arms and other equipment, which are crucial for many tasks in space.

• Content:

• Hands-on training using robotic arms, such as the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station (ISS).

• Practice in capturing cargo vehicles, performing maintenance, and assisting with spacewalks.

6. Russian Language Training

• Overview: As the ISS has international partnerships, knowledge of Russian is essential for communication with Russian cosmonauts and operations.

• Content:

• Basic to intermediate Russian language classes to communicate effectively with Russian crew members and control centers.

7. Flight Training

• Overview: Flight training is crucial, especially for Pilots and Commanders. It teaches teamwork, decision-making, and handling emergencies.

• Content:

• Piloting high-performance aircraft, such as NASA’s T-38 Talon jets, to develop flight skills and learn how to operate in dynamic and stressful environments.

8. Teamwork and Leadership Training

• Overview: Emphasizes working effectively as part of a team in high-pressure environments.

• Content:

• Various simulations and group exercises to develop communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Advanced Astronaut Training (After Basic Training and Selection)

After successfully completing basic training, candidates are designated as full-fledged astronauts and are eligible for advanced training to prepare for specific missions. This training is more specialized and mission-specific.

1. Mission-Specific Training

• Overview: Astronauts prepare for the particular mission they are assigned to, such as long-duration stays on the ISS or lunar exploration.

• Content:

• Detailed study of mission objectives, timelines, and tasks.

• Training on specific spacecraft and mission-related systems, including life support, power, and communication.

• Practice of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations planned for the mission.

2. Spacecraft and Systems Training

• Overview: In-depth training on the specific spacecraft they will use, like the SpaceX Crew Dragon, Orion, or others.

• Content:

• Simulations of spacecraft systems and scenarios, such as docking with the ISS or landing on the Moon.

• Training on spacecraft systems, emergency procedures, and equipment management.

3. Advanced Spacewalk (EVA) Training

• Overview: Focuses on the specific tasks astronauts will perform outside the spacecraft.

• Content:

• Advanced practice in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, simulating specific spacewalks required for maintenance, repairs, or experiments.

• Use of virtual reality (VR) simulations to practice complex maneuvers and tasks in a zero-gravity environment.

4. Advanced Robotics Training

• Overview: Detailed training on the use of robotic systems required for the mission.

• Content:

• Use of advanced robotic systems for cargo capture, installation of new modules, and scientific equipment handling.

• Specialized training for using robotic arms for planetary exploration tasks.

5. International Space Station (ISS) Systems Training

• Overview: Astronauts assigned to ISS missions receive training on the station’s systems.

• Content:

• Learning to operate and maintain the station’s life support, power, and communication systems.

• Familiarization with all scientific modules, habitats, and emergency procedures aboard the ISS.

6. Geological Field Training

• Overview: Astronauts, especially those selected for lunar or Mars missions, receive geological training to understand the terrain and collect samples.

• Content:

• Field training in remote locations on Earth that resemble lunar or Martian environments (e.g., deserts, volcanic areas).

• Learning techniques for identifying, collecting, and storing geological samples.

7. Lunar Surface and Mars Exploration Training (Artemis and Beyond)

• Overview: For missions like Artemis, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon, specific surface training is conducted.

• Content:

• Simulations in lunar analog environments and using mock-ups of lunar habitats.

• Practicing mobility and tasks in spacesuits under simulated lunar gravity.

• Training on surface exploration tools, such as lunar rovers and habitat systems.

8. Psychological Training and Support

• Overview: Mental health training to cope with the stress, isolation, and confinement of space missions.

• Content:

• Psychological resilience training, mindfulness practices, and coping strategies for long-duration spaceflight.

• Support through counseling and team-building exercises to strengthen mental and emotional endurance.

Become a NASA Astronaut

After successfully completing the training program, you will be eligible for spaceflight assignments and officially designated as a NASA astronaut. Your journey, however, is just beginning:

• Spaceflight Assignments: You may be assigned to missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS), lunar exploration missions under the Artemis program, or future missions to Mars and beyond.
• Ongoing Training and Readiness: Continue your training to stay mission-ready, including practicing for spacewalks, refining skills with spacecraft systems, and preparing for new mission objectives.
• Public Engagement and Outreach: As a NASA astronaut, you will also play a role in public engagement, inspiring the next generation of explorers by participating in educational events, media appearances, and outreach activities.

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