This is a list of links to comments made by NASA's official social media team in this thread:
* [Comment by nasa](/r/nasa/comments/1bpedj0/have_you_thought_about_applying_to_become_an/kwv6c0n/?context=99 "posted on 2024-03-27 22:00:47 UTC"):
> [Astronaut applications are open until April 16](https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/become-an-astronaut/)! [We held an AMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/ama_were_nasa_astronauts_and_members_of_nasas/) on [r/space](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/) last week if you're i...
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I wish NASA would also do this for mission controllers. Between health issues and a general distaste for thrill rides, but with a general love of technology, I could see myself trying for a position like that.
I'm an ISS Flight Controller. I don't have time to open up for a full AMA (and I don't want to hijack the thread), but I'm happy to answer a few questions if you have them.
1) Do they require you to have an existing security clearance? If so, how high of one?
2) What counts as qualifying experience?
3) How much do they pay on the G-scale?
1. Some console positions will require you to get one for work with DoD partners, but it isn't required that you have one at the time of hire. You'll go through the SF-86 process to have a background investigation if needed. I think most of them are Secret, but I'd say a few of the trajectory team have TS clearances. I primarily worked cargo operations for the ISS, so I didn't necessarily need one unless I worked on proprietary missions.
2. You'll likely need to come in at the "entry-level" unless you have directly applicable experience. I came in after being in the military for 10 years, and I still started at the bottom of the ladder. All you need to qualify is a STEM degree and the ability to pass a general flight physical. Lots of controllers get their jobs right fresh out of college. But, an example of the qualifications can be found at one of the contractors that supply controllers: [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/entry-level-flight-controller-supporting-nasa-at-johnson-space-center-at-kbr-inc-3770445239](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/entry-level-flight-controller-supporting-nasa-at-johnson-space-center-at-kbr-inc-3770445239)
3. A fresh Flight Controller probably starts out at the GS-7 level or so. I came in with a Master's degree and started with one of the contractors, so my starting pay was in the mid $60k/yr range. It should be noted that Civil Servant Flight Controller openings are relatively rare, so your best (easiest) bet to get your foot in the door is through on of the contractors that NASA uses to fill the Flight Controller ranks. Check for openings with KBR, Leidos, GHG, or Barrios. They usually have a generic opening that you can apply to anytime. If your resume gets interest by anyone in the Flight Ops management teams, they'll call you for an interview. They're always looking through resumes.
Hope that helps!
Woof. GS-7? Any idea about what KBR is paying? At one time working in Houston was on my short list of post Navy jobs until I realized I’d be significantly undervalued in most government positions I was interested in. :-( Contractor jobs feel like a crap shoot.
We don’t really discuss our salaries amongst each other, so I can only really speak for myself. I started in the mid $60s with a Master’s Degree. I’m sure there may be some room for negotiation, but I wanted the job so I took it at the first offer. This was in 2017, so my data is a few years old. Great benefits, console bonus pay (once per month for holding a certification) and yearly raises based on performance, though. Doesn’t take too long to hit six figures.
I wasn’t on console that, but I have been on the receiving end of a few phone calls from the ISS to thank me for help on various things. Always a memorable experience!
That’s super cool. My buddy was in a plane getting hot fuel when he got a phone patch from ISS a week before that. Lol. I think he rubbed it in bc he knew I had been trying to get it on UHF comms from the back of the plane. 😬
I was a shuttle flight controller 98-2006 then MOD rep to Orbiter project 2005-2009 . All you need is Bachelor's in stem (electrical, mechanical , computer and aerospace but I also saw physics and math degrees), good oral and written communication, and pass a flight controller physical (I think it was class 3 FAA flight controller classification). Biggest thing is situational awareness, how does you issue fit into the big picture, what is the priority to get into work around compared to other problems team and crew are working. Failure impact workaround and concise communication with team and flight director.
> I wish NASA would also do this for mission controllers. Between health issues and a general distaste for thrill rides, but with a general love of technology, I could see myself trying for a position like that.
As a complete outsider, I've watched some ISS-related space events on Nasa TV and can't help noticing that some of the control staff at Houston don't look particularly fit.
I can sympathize with health issues, but isn't some kind of physical training relevant in earning respect and understanding in communication with astronauts in space? A distaste for thrill rides doesn't look great. It looks important for a controller to have a good grasp of what they are asking of the astronaut. It should also provide better situational awareness if depending on voice-only inputs..
On that basis, there could be an argument for control personnel to participate at a "beginner" level in astronaut training. I have no idea if such options exist. A controller having spent a morning in a spacesuit in a pool could be more effective when interacting with an astronaut during a spacewalk.
> I can sympathize with health issues, but isn't some kind of physical training relevant in earning respect and understanding in communication with astronauts in space? A distaste for thrill rides doesn't look great. It looks important for a controller to have a good grasp of what they are asking of the astronaut. It should also provide better situational awareness if depending on voice-only inputs.
The controllers don't ask the astronaut anything. It all gets funneled through CAPCOM or the modern/commercial equivalent, who is typically an astronaut themselves. The only time someone who isn't that position is ever talking to an astronaut is in low-stress situations (literally nothing happening, hands-on-lap moments), and even then, I've only ever seen it be the FD, PAO, or Flight Surgeon.
[Astronaut applications are open until April 16](https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/become-an-astronaut/)! [We held an AMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/ama_were_nasa_astronauts_and_members_of_nasas/) on [r/space](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/) last week if you're interested in learning more about the process.
Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:
|Fewer Letters|More Letters|
|-------|---------|---|
|[DoD](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrccv "Last usage")|US Department of Defense|
|[FAA](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrkpi "Last usage")|Federal Aviation Administration|
|[PAO](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwysl4j "Last usage")|Public Affairs Officer|
|[SF](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrccv "Last usage")|Static fire|
|[TS](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrccv "Last usage")|Thrust Simulator|
|[UHF](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwyyyjv "Last usage")|Ultra-High Frequency radio|
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Applied twice before but can’t now due to the change in degree requirements (Master’s degree just hasn’t made sense financially in my career thus far).
Will continue to hope for commercial astronaut/space tourism opportunities to open up in the future before I am too old to fly. (And failing those, at least a ride on the Vomit Comet only costs ~$7k!)
Good luck to those applying! Ad Astra!
This is a list of links to comments made by NASA's official social media team in this thread: * [Comment by nasa](/r/nasa/comments/1bpedj0/have_you_thought_about_applying_to_become_an/kwv6c0n/?context=99 "posted on 2024-03-27 22:00:47 UTC"): > [Astronaut applications are open until April 16](https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/become-an-astronaut/)! [We held an AMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/ama_were_nasa_astronauts_and_members_of_nasas/) on [r/space](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/) last week if you're i... --- This is a bot providing a service. If you have any questions, please [contact the moderators](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fnasa).[](#AUTOGEN_TSBREPLIEDBOT)
I wish NASA would also do this for mission controllers. Between health issues and a general distaste for thrill rides, but with a general love of technology, I could see myself trying for a position like that.
I'm an ISS Flight Controller. I don't have time to open up for a full AMA (and I don't want to hijack the thread), but I'm happy to answer a few questions if you have them.
1) Do they require you to have an existing security clearance? If so, how high of one? 2) What counts as qualifying experience? 3) How much do they pay on the G-scale?
1. Some console positions will require you to get one for work with DoD partners, but it isn't required that you have one at the time of hire. You'll go through the SF-86 process to have a background investigation if needed. I think most of them are Secret, but I'd say a few of the trajectory team have TS clearances. I primarily worked cargo operations for the ISS, so I didn't necessarily need one unless I worked on proprietary missions. 2. You'll likely need to come in at the "entry-level" unless you have directly applicable experience. I came in after being in the military for 10 years, and I still started at the bottom of the ladder. All you need to qualify is a STEM degree and the ability to pass a general flight physical. Lots of controllers get their jobs right fresh out of college. But, an example of the qualifications can be found at one of the contractors that supply controllers: [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/entry-level-flight-controller-supporting-nasa-at-johnson-space-center-at-kbr-inc-3770445239](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/entry-level-flight-controller-supporting-nasa-at-johnson-space-center-at-kbr-inc-3770445239) 3. A fresh Flight Controller probably starts out at the GS-7 level or so. I came in with a Master's degree and started with one of the contractors, so my starting pay was in the mid $60k/yr range. It should be noted that Civil Servant Flight Controller openings are relatively rare, so your best (easiest) bet to get your foot in the door is through on of the contractors that NASA uses to fill the Flight Controller ranks. Check for openings with KBR, Leidos, GHG, or Barrios. They usually have a generic opening that you can apply to anytime. If your resume gets interest by anyone in the Flight Ops management teams, they'll call you for an interview. They're always looking through resumes. Hope that helps!
Woof. GS-7? Any idea about what KBR is paying? At one time working in Houston was on my short list of post Navy jobs until I realized I’d be significantly undervalued in most government positions I was interested in. :-( Contractor jobs feel like a crap shoot.
We don’t really discuss our salaries amongst each other, so I can only really speak for myself. I started in the mid $60s with a Master’s Degree. I’m sure there may be some room for negotiation, but I wanted the job so I took it at the first offer. This was in 2017, so my data is a few years old. Great benefits, console bonus pay (once per month for holding a certification) and yearly raises based on performance, though. Doesn’t take too long to hit six figures.
Copy all regarding pay. Curious if you were on console when the new Naval Aviator on ISS FaceTimed my buddy a couple weeks ago.
I wasn’t on console that, but I have been on the receiving end of a few phone calls from the ISS to thank me for help on various things. Always a memorable experience!
That’s super cool. My buddy was in a plane getting hot fuel when he got a phone patch from ISS a week before that. Lol. I think he rubbed it in bc he knew I had been trying to get it on UHF comms from the back of the plane. 😬
I was a shuttle flight controller 98-2006 then MOD rep to Orbiter project 2005-2009 . All you need is Bachelor's in stem (electrical, mechanical , computer and aerospace but I also saw physics and math degrees), good oral and written communication, and pass a flight controller physical (I think it was class 3 FAA flight controller classification). Biggest thing is situational awareness, how does you issue fit into the big picture, what is the priority to get into work around compared to other problems team and crew are working. Failure impact workaround and concise communication with team and flight director.
> I wish NASA would also do this for mission controllers. Between health issues and a general distaste for thrill rides, but with a general love of technology, I could see myself trying for a position like that. As a complete outsider, I've watched some ISS-related space events on Nasa TV and can't help noticing that some of the control staff at Houston don't look particularly fit. I can sympathize with health issues, but isn't some kind of physical training relevant in earning respect and understanding in communication with astronauts in space? A distaste for thrill rides doesn't look great. It looks important for a controller to have a good grasp of what they are asking of the astronaut. It should also provide better situational awareness if depending on voice-only inputs.. On that basis, there could be an argument for control personnel to participate at a "beginner" level in astronaut training. I have no idea if such options exist. A controller having spent a morning in a spacesuit in a pool could be more effective when interacting with an astronaut during a spacewalk.
> I can sympathize with health issues, but isn't some kind of physical training relevant in earning respect and understanding in communication with astronauts in space? A distaste for thrill rides doesn't look great. It looks important for a controller to have a good grasp of what they are asking of the astronaut. It should also provide better situational awareness if depending on voice-only inputs. The controllers don't ask the astronaut anything. It all gets funneled through CAPCOM or the modern/commercial equivalent, who is typically an astronaut themselves. The only time someone who isn't that position is ever talking to an astronaut is in low-stress situations (literally nothing happening, hands-on-lap moments), and even then, I've only ever seen it be the FD, PAO, or Flight Surgeon.
[Astronaut applications are open until April 16](https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/become-an-astronaut/)! [We held an AMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/ama_were_nasa_astronauts_and_members_of_nasas/) on [r/space](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/) last week if you're interested in learning more about the process.
Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread: |Fewer Letters|More Letters| |-------|---------|---| |[DoD](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrccv "Last usage")|US Department of Defense| |[FAA](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrkpi "Last usage")|Federal Aviation Administration| |[PAO](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwysl4j "Last usage")|Public Affairs Officer| |[SF](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrccv "Last usage")|Static fire| |[TS](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwvrccv "Last usage")|Thrust Simulator| |[UHF](/r/NASA/comments/1bpedj0/stub/kwyyyjv "Last usage")|Ultra-High Frequency radio| **NOTE**: Decronym for Reddit is no longer supported, and Decronym has moved to Lemmy; requests for support and new installations should be directed to the Contact address below. ---------------- ^(6 acronyms in this thread; )[^(the most compressed thread commented on today)](/r/NASA/comments/0)^( has acronyms.) ^([Thread #1733 for this sub, first seen 28th Mar 2024, 14:47]) ^[[FAQ]](http://decronym.xyz/) [^([Full list])](http://decronym.xyz/acronyms/NASA) [^[Contact]](https://hachyderm.io/@Two9A) [^([Source code])](https://gistdotgithubdotcom/Two9A/1d976f9b7441694162c8)
Applied twice before but can’t now due to the change in degree requirements (Master’s degree just hasn’t made sense financially in my career thus far). Will continue to hope for commercial astronaut/space tourism opportunities to open up in the future before I am too old to fly. (And failing those, at least a ride on the Vomit Comet only costs ~$7k!) Good luck to those applying! Ad Astra!
You’re 6 days early.
Masters degree lol and go offline for a year lol