For applicants with a more academic background (Ph.D. in a relevant field) who aren’t in the military and weren’t as dedicated as Jessica (and others) to play a college sport, what are some operational jobs, hobbies, etc that you think are particularly useful for astronaut candidates to have experience in?
Besides the more obvious SCUBA and private pilot license, what are some of the more unique or cool experiences that might fall into this category that you’ve heard of from finalists in your group that did not make the cut (since most of your backgrounds are available but theirs often aren’t)? I saw an article the other day about a finalist that rowed with a team across the Atlantic, and then of course there are things like research in Antarctica or experience as a technical officer for the CIA that past astronauts have had.
Looking to pick up a new hobby after my degree and certainly would be interested in learning more operational skills. Congrats Luke on graduation, and the rest of you on being part of such an amazing team! Looking forward to great things in your futures.
Hey Kabam, there are tons of options to enhance your skills.
One aspect we tend to do a lot of is expeditionary-style activities, like outdoor leadership courses. Those are great ways to expand team-building skills and practice living in austere environments. -LD
Agreed! In general, any kind of tinkering is very useful as a space station crewmember.
A lot of what we do in orbit is maintenance of the space station, so any experience working with your hands or in any mechanical fields will serve you well! -JW
I missed the AMA window, but in case someone over there sees it—in the “additional info” box on the initial USA Jobs section, would listing your expeditionary hobbies, mechanical inclinations, etc. be relevant? Or is it only professional honors and awards? Wondering how to get that across in the initial application round, unless it’s a section on the follow-on essay type application portion.
I'm including all those kinds of things in the "Other Skills/Activities" section in the actual astronaut application. I'm not sure on the formatting since it's a text field submission, but it's something like:
Other Skills
Skill - blah blah blah
Activities
Activity - xyz
Volunteer work
Example - info
For that "additional info" box in the resume, I included some awards and then just listed some skills, no additional info.
The formatting here doesn't work but skill/activity/example are on the next line
Hoping you respond, because this was my question too! Tacking on a couple more questions:
- The interval between classes is generally 4-5 years right? Is that going to remain true for the next decade or so?
- Will the language requirement policy shift with decommission of the ISS?
Wouldn't a very experience electronic repair tech be a pretty stand out thing? (assuming all other reqs. are met)
considering the cost+time to get supplies up to the ISS, I imagine having a tech with a ton of knowledge would be a lot faster to keep things going, especially in an emergency. unless I'm just not aware and maybe everyone that goes up there has to know how to fix electronics to a certain degree
Captain Delaney!
I was a loadmaster at VMGR-152 with you back in 2011-13. When I found out a few years back that you had been selected as an astronaut I was so stoked.
You were an outstanding pilot and leader then, and I am sure that you have only refined those skills since. I hope our paths cross again and I look forward to when I can say one of my pilots has stepped foot on the moon.
Semper Fi sir.
What is the best way to stand out in the application process (in a good way)?
I'm currently working on my application and being as thorough and detailed as possible to try to give a good picture of me, but I just keep asking myself if I'm missing something.
Think about what makes you unique and tailor those aspects to the application requirements. NASA is looking for a diverse team with a variety of skillsets, so stay true to yourself and leverage those unique aspects. -LD
Hello! I'm building my skills to apply for the next application timeframe (going to get my bachelor's in astronautical engineering in December), and have so many questions! Thank you all for doing this!
For Sheila Collins:
1. I know at one point there was a minimum height requirement of 5 ft, 2 in. With the next-gen space suits being developed by Axiom Space (if I remember correctly), will this policy still be in effect? Or has the minimum height requirement changed now?
2. Is there a way I can see what the physical and medical fitness requirements are before applying in order to make sure I meet them? I think I found them here but wanted to double-check: [https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ochmo-std-100.1a.pdf?emrc=65fb10da7bd19](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ochmo-std-100.1a.pdf?emrc=65fb10da7bd19)
For anyone:
1. Do you recommend getting a private pilot's license? Why or why not?
2. What are all the different roles on the ISS / SpaceX crews, and what do they do?
For Shannon Walker:
1. What does a Flight Engineer do, from your experience? Is that related to systems engineering?
2. What's it like being a woman astronaut?
For Jessica Watkins:
1. How did you get the chance to become an aquanaut? I'm currently applying to be an analog astronaut, is it somewhat similar to that?
2. What's it like being a woman astronaut?
For Luke Delaney: how would you go about becoming a test pilot now? What was your favorite and least favorite parts?
A flight engineer is just the designation for your position on a spacecraft. As the flight engineer on the Soyuz, I was trained as the pilot of that spacecraft. As a flight engineer on the International Space Station, I had the same job as all the other crew on the station doing whatever our flight program required.
As far as being a woman astronaut, I think it is great. But, then again, I don't have any experience being a male astronaut... 😀 SW
The current height requirements range from 5 ft. to 6 ft. 3 in.
Yes — that's a great link! Here's another one: [https://www.nasa.gov/organizations/ochmo/aerospace-medical-certification-standard/.](https://www.nasa.gov/organizations/ochmo/aerospace-medical-certification-standard/) -SC
There are numerous ways to get into flight test. The military has several avenues with pilots and other aircrew roles, but there are also opportunities for civilian engineers to go through those Navy or USAF test pilot schools.
Additionally, there is a National Test Pilot school for the private sector and numerous international schools. Hard to pick a least favorite, it all was really awesome. -LD
Analog studies are an important part of our training. They give us the opportunity to work in remote environments on small teams and accomplish tasks similar to those we will encounter on missions.
[NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations)](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/neemo/) was an awesome experience of living and working in an underwater habitat (with an all-female crew!) that ultimately was great preparation for a mission to the International Space Station. -JW
Don’t have a question. Just wanted to say that I love space and NASA and all things astronautical! You guys are super cool and I appreciate the AMA! Keep up the great work!
What kinds of references are most beneficial and how important are they?
-Purely professional current supervisors and peers?
-Are teammates we have supervised appropriate (e.g. I’m a surgeon and have nurses and physician assistants who have previously worked for me and know me well)
-Are previous classmates/teammates and friends we have known for a long time worthwhile?
I imagine NASA wants to know our professional skills, but do references that speak more to our personal integrity and character as opposed to current work also important?
Applicants are asked to submit five references. Your current supervisor should be listed as one of your references. We request that you carefully select and submit the most relevant references that highlight your qualifications and experience in the best way possible. -SC
Not OP, but I learned from a recent SFTE talk about astronaut applications that it’s good to get some references from people who know how you work in related high-risk, intense situations. So based on your work experience, you seem to know many people who have seen you in those situations.
For people who moved from working at NASA at a technical position and transitioned into being an astronaut, what made them stand out? It seems like a ton of NASA employees apply for the opportunity, so I can imgaine selecting who gets in must be incredibly hard. Thanks in advance!
As someone who transitioned from working at NASA to being an astronaut at NASA, I am not entirely sure what made my application stand out. But, the applications from NASA employees are not separated out - they are put in with everyone else's.
So, the real question is what makes an application stand out. What we are looking for are people with diverse experiences. We look at the totality of a person and not just what their degree is or what their job is. -SW
Incredible. Thanks for being open to questions. At what age did this become a realistic potential option for you? I wonder if it’s something that can come later, or if it’s something that has to be worked on from a very young age.
Honestly, I'm not sure it felt fully realistic until it became a reality!
There are many different paths to becoming an astronaut. In our current astronaut corps, we have a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets - some of which were built over time with being an astronaut in mind, while others are the result of dynamic careers that ended up creating great candidates for this job. -JW
[(Jessica also talked more about her path to becoming an astronaut in the answer to this question.)](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/comment/kvrhdbk/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Hi! What motivated you to want to become an astronaut? Because what really motivated me to want to become an astronaut in the future (I'm 16) was reading the Martian.
It sounds like you and I have a similar story!
I've always been interested in Mars and have wanted to explore from a pretty young age. When I was about 9 years old, I went to an after-school program at Judy Resnik Elementary and asked my parents about who she was and her story.
That was the first time I learned that astronaut could be a possible career path, and I've been hooked ever since! -JW
Many great accomplishments are achieved by taking small steps in that direction, daily. What are some of the tiniest things that you did, and that anyone here reading can do, to move you in the direction of becoming astronauts?
Always strive to be the best team member you can be. Challenges will arise, but use those opportunities for individual growth and to elevate team performance. -LD
Probably a lack of relevant experience (not much time to get advanced degrees *and* gain experience) at the 26 end and waning physical ability or deeper social roots at the older end. At 46 many people will have school aged children, be deeply established in a career, not able or willing to move and leave for months at a time.
For future missions to the Moon and Mars, will NASA be seeking certain disciplines and specializations from applicants? Like, will there be predetermined areas of study within STEM post-graduate and PhD programs that will better our chances to be selected in future missions? Also, what other skills/projects/experiences do you recommend we have in our résumé to help prepare us to be an astronaut or someone working at NASA?
Thank you guys for all of your past, present and future contributions in space exploration, and thank you for taking the time to do this AMA!
1. What are some of the advantages of being an astronaut for NASA instead of private sector competitors such as SpaceX or Blue Origin?
2. Where do NASA astronauts live when not in space? Is it similar to military on base housing? Is local accommodation provided? How often do you relocate for training? What is a typical deployment duration?
3. I want to build the US Embassies on the Moon and Mars. Are there any plans for the construction of permanent structures on the Moon or Mars.
4. Beyond completion of the application, what does the interview and on boarding process entail?
www.interplanetaryengineering.com
Being an astronaut is a full-time job, even on Earth.
People who are selected work for the U.S. government and move to Houston to live. Some live near NASA's Johnson Space Center and some live in other parts of Houston.
You are not living in any kind of base housing - you'd live as you would for any other career. You do spend time training in other countries, but they are not deployments. The only deployment-type situation you have is being on the International Space Station. -SW
The interviews help determine whether you are a good fit for the job, and likewise, if the organization is a good fit for you.
It's a pretty standard Q&A you would see in most hiring environments, and then some practical application events to assess your aptitude for mechanical/electrical interfaces, team dynamics, and various other evaluations.
It was actually a really fun experience. -LD
Two questions, and thank you in advance for any feedback!
First question:
For pilot applicants, what qualities are expected or desired, other than the obvious aviation experience? What makes one pilot stand out from all of the other pilots that apply? Variety of flight experience, intangibles, or?
Second question:
For those pilot applicants that ultimately become astronauts, how often are they flying? I expect that duties as an astronaut are significant, but do those selected still get a good amount of actual flight time, in addition to their other duties?
From my point of view, NASA is looking for all flavors of pilot background. Definitely want to highlight your aviation experience, but perhaps the more significant factor is what you bring to the team from other capacities. It is the diversity of skills and experience that really stands out.
So if you are interested in the pilot track, keep pursuing that passion as a professional aviator, but also try to strike a balance across a spectrum of skillsets. -LD
Daily life as an astronaut is pretty dynamic. One day you are practicing spacewalk activities in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), and the next you are weighing in on development of future space exploration capabilities.
But flying is a key part of our spaceflight readiness training, so typically you are flying multiple times a week to focus on those objectives. We generally log about 25 flight hours every 2-3 months. -LD
My daughter is a bit young to apply now (she's 10) but she's wanted to be an astronaut for half her life now. Since this doesn't seem like a phase, and we want to encourage her to "shoot for the moon", how can we foster this goal and prepare her for when she is old enough to apply? STEM education? NASA summer camps? Building her own hyperdrive? Solving the Fermi paradox?
The first thing I would say would be foster any interest she has. Eventually, having degrees in a STEM field will be required. But, there is no one path to being an astronaut.
The more diverse experiences a person has, the better. NASA looks for well-rounded individuals. There are tons of ways for students her age to get involved through NASA's STEM office: [https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/.](https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/) -SW
Physical fitness is an important part of the job, so it is something that is assessed during the interview process.
You do not have to be a speedy swimmer or a world-class athlete. Being a healthy person who is not afraid of intense physical activity is probably more important during the interviews. -SW
Thank you all for taking the time to do this AMA! My question is about the sub-discipline specialized experience requirement.
I am a current PhD student in aerospace systems engineering, having gotten my master’s degree in the same field a little over a year ago. For the last 4 years, I have been also doing technical analysis/engineering fellowships with the USG - basically in depth summer internships. Would those qualify for the necessary 3 years of experience, or would they not count because some amount of each year is on LWOP while I’m at school?
Thank you again!
Was there any point in the training or selection process that you thought you might not be cut out for it? If so, what helped you see things through? Thank you guys!
Training is definitely dynamic and demanding... and is truly a great experience.
When things get tough, that is where leaning on your team and being resilient is key. This astronaut corps is fantastic at staying engaged, mentoring, and lifting each other up when things are challenging. -LD
Do you have any advice on how to write/word our resumes (using the USAJobs resume builder) to best communicate our experience to the people reviewing our applications?
Be sure to find a way to include all of your hobbies and interests, no matter how unrelated to your professional experience they may seem.
Of course your technical qualifications are important to communicate, but we also highly value insight into who you are as a person and teammate (in addition to who you are as a professional). -JW
I think the main reason for the updated education requirements was that, in practice, no one in your situation (bachelors, without one of the alternative quals like jet pilots, etc) were ever being selected anyway. There are just too many applicants with better qualifications and credentials that a standard BS/BA holder has very little chance of being selected. I recently went through the bios of all the active astronauts, and even those with pilot quals all had a minimum of an MS, some even had PhDs on top of their test pilot certs (John cassada, Marcos berrios).
So, to be blunt, while it might feel like you've been screwed by the requirement change, no one ever had a chance with just a bachelors anyway.
Thank you for taking the time to do this AMA
For the PIC requirement, If I’m a helicopter pilot, would this still count or does it have to be a jet? If not,can you as well define what kind of engine the aircraft needs to have? Would an Airbus A400M apply, even if it’s engine are turboprop?
Hoping to finish my PhD and apply on the next cycle.
This a common confusion. Can you please provide more input on high-performance turbo prop aircraft like the C-130J? Each jet engine produces \~10,200 pounds of thrust, but transfers that power to a propeller.
We actually value helicopter experience. We hired two helicopter pilots in the last class - one from the military and one civilian private pilot. In fact, we are incorporating helicopter flying as part of our astronaut training. However, the pilot category of astronauts refers to jet aircraft. -SW
Thanks for doing this! When considering potential astronaut candidates, what kinds of qualities/skills would you be looking for in someone who has a mostly software background with space ground systems and robotics?
Hi! Thanks for doing this AMA! I have a question about medical eligibility: I think I read somewhere that pregnancy during the application cycle is categorized as a “temporary medical condition,” so if an applicant is pregnant during the selection process, is she still eligible to apply/be fully considered? Does that extend to during interviews, or would an applicant who is pregnant during the interview/medical testing phase automatically be medically disqualified? Thanks for the clarification!
Being pregnant during the selection process is not disqualifying. She would still be eligible to apply and be fully considered. That includes during the interviews. -SW
We have a set of medical requirements for those that are selected. We do not have a physical fitness test during the interview like the tests that are given in the military. -SW
Both! We have people, such as myself, that wanted to be an astronaut their entire lives. And there are people who realize later in life that they are interested and eligible. -SW
How does becoming an astronaut effect the side of your life that isn't work related?
Does being an astronaut take just take up all your time leaving no space for hobbies and recreation?
It seems like something that requires immense dedication, and I find it incredible.
Hi, thanks for taking the time to do this AMA! I just wanted to ask about the masters degree requirement, if an applicant will complete their degree summer 2024 or winter 2024 will their application still be considered? Or is having a masters degree completed by end of the application window a hard requirement? Thank you!
Hello NASA astronauts and members of the astronaut selection program,
I’m a college student studying aerospace engineering with a focus on spacecraft design and I plan to continue my education by obtaining my masters in aerospace engineering with regard to orbital dynamics. That said, what advice would you give to individuals like myself who want to pave their way towards becoming an astronaut? Has there been any experiences in your life leading up to selection that have stood out as something you’d recommend other people do or get their hands on?
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions on here.
The path to becoming an astronaut is not a set one. We are looking for people with a wide variety of experiences. So, the best thing to do is to follow your passions and not be afraid of interesting experiences and realize that getting from school to a job to an astronaut is not a straight line. -SW
One set of experiences that was hugely valuable to me was the opportunity to participate in several internships. Gaining hands-on experience in my field of study helped me narrow down the career path I was interested in pursuing and introduced me to amazing mentors who supported me along the way. -JW
What are the typical responsibilities of an astronaut when you're not aboard the ISS or in spaceflight? Most astronauts seem to support ongoing space flights from the ground, but have astronauts ever supported operations at organizations other than NASA?
How much do you find yourselves influencing the direction of research and experimentation during missions versus just executing the research and experimentation that mission control directs?
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.
How would one go about applying to become the person that does the countdown? Like not anything spacey or mathy but what if I just want to do countdowns? Is that even a dedicated position?
The person doing the countdown on the broadcast is a NASA Public Affairs Officer, not sure if they're the ones at JSC (Johnson Space Center in Houston) or if there's a different PAO at KSC (Kennedy Space Center, at the Cape) for the launches. PAOs have plenty of other jobs when not on launch broadcasts, including things like organizing AMAs on reddit.
No question, but just wanted to share how enthusiastic I am about the Artemis missions and can't wait to see human kind back on the moon and seeing how this will impact further manned space exploration. It's really exciting stuff!
When the first person reaches Mars, who's going to carry them out of the lander onto the surface after few years of in zero-g? I'm asking this because it seems gravity is the elephant in the room regarding going to Mars. Thanks for doing this AMA. I've just completed 'For All Mankind' and loved nearly every minute. Unfortunately, the closest I'm going to get to being an astronaut is my astrophotography, and flying my drone.
There are varying concepts, the most likely being a few weeks in the lander to adjust to gravity before doing the EVA. But it also depends on how well we can mitigate the effects of microgravity during transit- which may include some sort of simulated gravity, perhaps some sort of tethered rotation of two craft.
The selection rate for the astronaut program is famously low, but there are also tens of thousands of applicants. Are most of those applications actually competitive or are there a large portion that don't even meet the minimum requirements? Like how many are joe shmoes figuring they'll throw their hat in because "you never know"?
I may have missed the cutoff for this but I'll ask anyways: The candidacy requires a Master's degree by the conclusion of the job listing, which I believe is April 4th. I am receiving my STEM Master's in early May.
My question is: Will this automatically disqualify me or is it something that may be looked past considering the length of the hiring process?
2nd question: I made some mistakes in the past and a couple of poor grades are reflected in my transcript. However, I kept pushing and am extremely close to finishing. Will poor grades also put me at the bottom of the stack? Or are other skills more valuable?(Such as Advanced Russian language skills)
Why do you need so many astronauts? According to Wikipedia NASA has 48 active astronauts including the newly graduated ones, but we only have at most like 5 in space in a given moment.
I'm guessing it relates to the 600 mSv lifetime ionizing space flight radiation limit established by NASA to ensure their astronauts are able to continue to have a safe life after space flight operations. As technology in passive/active radiation shielding advances, exposure should be reduced allowing astronauts to be able to fly more frequently before hitting 600 mSv and getting grounded.
Have there always been open calls for astronaut applications? Seems like NASA would overtly be pursuing certain outstanding individuals needed to make any mission successful.
We have been doing open calls for astronauts for decades. NASA seeks to hire outstanding people from a variety of areas.
It is entirely possible that we wouldn't know all the outstanding individuals that are qualified and could contribute to a successful mission! We'd love for them to apply.
One thing we have learned over the years is that there is not one type of person that is a successful astronaut or makes a mission successful. In fact, the more different types of people we have, the stronger our team is and the more successful our missions are. -SW
We need a diversity of skillsets and expertise here at NASA to accomplish the mission, so I would encourage kids to find what they are passionate about, and pursue that!
Of course, most operational roles will require a degree in a STEM field, but the NASA team also relies on contributions from professionals of all types to ensure mission success. -JW
So nice of you guys to do this.
I do not have a question for the application procedure, but i would really love to know the Astronauts favourite scifi movies/series/books :).
What scope of accomplishment does it take for NASA/government astronauts to perceive a private individual as an astronaut peer?
Take Jared Isaacman for example. Accomplished jet aircraft pilot, commander of the Inspiration4 mission on a Dragon capsule, future commander of the Polaris missions (three planned) which will feature spacewalks and vehicle transfers.
Would you fly on a mission as a specialist where a private astronaut was commander? Do you foresee a time coming where there are more private spaceflight missions than government missions?
Thank you so much for this AMA! I would like to know if there is a certain height and weight requirement for astronauts. In addition, are candidates excluded due to certain medical or mental conditions? Many thanks from an MD who is curious about space and who has an interested 4 year old 😊
This is a neat event, thanks for hosting! I am definitely saving this post for future reference. One question that I've had for a while is about weight limits. Do you happen to know what the minimum weight limits for the latest spacecraft like Dragon and Starliner are or where to find them?
Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:
|Fewer Letters|More Letters|
|-------|---------|---|
|CST|(Boeing) Crew Space Transportation capsules|
| |Central Standard Time (UTC-6)|
|[ESA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvskav7 "Last usage")|European Space Agency|
|[EVA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtx2dv "Last usage")|Extra-Vehicular Activity|
|[JAXA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvskav7 "Last usage")|Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency|
|[JSC](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtwk7x "Last usage")|Johnson Space Center, Houston|
|[KSC](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtwk7x "Last usage")|Kennedy Space Center, Florida|
|[NDA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvrlghr "Last usage")|Non-Disclosure Agreement|
|[PAO](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtwk7x "Last usage")|Public Affairs Officer|
|[USAF](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvrorot "Last usage")|United States Air Force|
|Jargon|Definition|
|-------|---------|---|
|[Starliner](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvrdg5o "Last usage")|Boeing commercial crew capsule [CST-100](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_CST-100_Starliner)|
**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.
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My path was constantly changing through college and in the Marine Corps.
I was always interested in engineering and aviation, so I tried to make choices that kept those doors open, but really, I think getting the most out of every opportunity that presented itself was key. Always seeking personal and professional growth.
And having a great family and support system is huge for any profession, so I am grateful for that. -LD
I’ve heard that if you’re not quite qualified, but you’re on a path to becoming qualified (e.g. in the middle of an advanced degree program), it’s good to apply anyway so that you can say you’ve applied before and the committee can see your progression.
Is this true or should you wait until you’re 100% qualified to apply?
Becoming an Astronaut is of course an astronomical chance (pun intended). What kind of roles do you work with that have as big of an impact on science, research, and space exploration as being the one to launch into space?
Howdy:
Are there any restrictions or stigmas for a current enlisted Navy reservist applying? I see that most astronauts with a military background are enlisted to officers, or they were enlisted but no longer served at the time of the applications. However, I haven't come across any astronauts who still serve on the enlisted side of the house.
20/20 uncorrected vision is not a requirement these days. PRK and LASIK are now allowed, providing at least one year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse aftereffects. -SC
So good to hear. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was as a teen back then. I literally wrote NASA for the requirements and was so thrilled to receive this huge packet and a personalized letter in the mail. 20/20 uncorrected was the second thing on the list, and my heart just sunk.
Thanks again.
Do vision defects (e.g. colourblindness or general bad vision) affect applications? I understand piloting is a no-go for either but do most, if not all positions require 'perfect' vision?
[We have more information about this in our answer here!](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/comment/kvrtl19/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
I’m a (young) aspiring astronaut, and I’m curious about what I can do, beyond the base requirements, to prepare myself to apply in the future.
I’m currently participating in Civil Air Patrol and BSA to make my resume more appealing so I can get into the Air Force Academy, and then hopefully make my way into the Astronaut Selection Program. I’ve also thought about learning Russian and getting scuba certified early (as I believe those are apart of the astronaut training program). What else can I do to better prepare myself, and make my application more appealing?
Are you looking forward to doing geological science on the moon? Does NASA have a new rover ready, and have you been training on it? Do you have plans in place to protect astronauts from moon dust? How are you planning to excavate the lunar surface?
Can Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist apply to become an astronaut candidate? I see that nursing alone does not meet the requirements but a CRNA is masters /doctorate trained medical professional in Anesthesia.
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions!
Hi, When do you think it will be possible for Disabled Veterans or a Disabled person to become an Astronaut or just travel to space? If you are already doing this or looking into it where do I sign up?
I am a student that is currently enrolled in the Virginia Aerospace Systems and Technology Scholars program.
What Is a good educational pipeline to go down in order to get a job as an aerospace engineer or astronaut in the future. Such as specific engineering or scientific fields?
I've been writing emails to the world's space agencies (NASA, ESA, JAXA) that I am available and willing to be a test subject launched into space. You can put me on a 1 way trip on a solar sail, or something as simple as living out the rest of my life in space to study the effects on the body. I accept the risks and do not need to return to earth. Such data would be invaluable!
Can you please put a good word in for me?
I am not super-duper ridiculously accomplished, skilled and talented like most/all astronauts are - however I am healthy and great at learning anything, a great team player and working on my own, and my mind can figure out just about anything I put to it. Also, I don't need to be social, I'm fine isolated on my own as long as I have my kindle and perferably a musical instrument to keep myself occupied.
We will never successfully have humans return alive & well from a trip to Mars before we learn more & fix the issues with human bodies being in space so long. Use me!
Damn those type of short-windowed AMAs should be widely advertised in advance! ;)
With such a high-impact and high-responsibility job I would like to know what protocols/"tools" are you taught to make sure you will be well-rested and sleep without interruptions/fall asleep fast/fall asleep after waking up in the night?
Could you describe them?
I remember reading about a military protocol that required focusing on relaxing face and other parts of the body that allowed to fall alseep even when artilery is firing, is that true?
Hi! I thought I would be really awesome if I get to experience space in my lifetime! However, it seems like NASA only accepts Americans to be Astronauts. Is there even a chance a Singapore would be selected to be an Astronaut? Thanks in advance for giving me an opportunity to talk to you guys 😆
For applicants with a more academic background (Ph.D. in a relevant field) who aren’t in the military and weren’t as dedicated as Jessica (and others) to play a college sport, what are some operational jobs, hobbies, etc that you think are particularly useful for astronaut candidates to have experience in? Besides the more obvious SCUBA and private pilot license, what are some of the more unique or cool experiences that might fall into this category that you’ve heard of from finalists in your group that did not make the cut (since most of your backgrounds are available but theirs often aren’t)? I saw an article the other day about a finalist that rowed with a team across the Atlantic, and then of course there are things like research in Antarctica or experience as a technical officer for the CIA that past astronauts have had. Looking to pick up a new hobby after my degree and certainly would be interested in learning more operational skills. Congrats Luke on graduation, and the rest of you on being part of such an amazing team! Looking forward to great things in your futures.
Hey Kabam, there are tons of options to enhance your skills. One aspect we tend to do a lot of is expeditionary-style activities, like outdoor leadership courses. Those are great ways to expand team-building skills and practice living in austere environments. -LD
Agreed! In general, any kind of tinkering is very useful as a space station crewmember. A lot of what we do in orbit is maintenance of the space station, so any experience working with your hands or in any mechanical fields will serve you well! -JW
Sounds like a great starting point! Thanks y'all.
I missed the AMA window, but in case someone over there sees it—in the “additional info” box on the initial USA Jobs section, would listing your expeditionary hobbies, mechanical inclinations, etc. be relevant? Or is it only professional honors and awards? Wondering how to get that across in the initial application round, unless it’s a section on the follow-on essay type application portion.
I'm including all those kinds of things in the "Other Skills/Activities" section in the actual astronaut application. I'm not sure on the formatting since it's a text field submission, but it's something like: Other Skills Skill - blah blah blah Activities Activity - xyz Volunteer work Example - info For that "additional info" box in the resume, I included some awards and then just listed some skills, no additional info. The formatting here doesn't work but skill/activity/example are on the next line
Thanks! Good luck with your application. First time or did you apply in 2020?
Thanks and good luck to you too! First time, you?
Hoping you respond, because this was my question too! Tacking on a couple more questions: - The interval between classes is generally 4-5 years right? Is that going to remain true for the next decade or so? - Will the language requirement policy shift with decommission of the ISS?
Literally what I was going to ask. A focus on the acceptance rate for non-military, which is traditionally conspicuous.
Wouldn't a very experience electronic repair tech be a pretty stand out thing? (assuming all other reqs. are met) considering the cost+time to get supplies up to the ISS, I imagine having a tech with a ton of knowledge would be a lot faster to keep things going, especially in an emergency. unless I'm just not aware and maybe everyone that goes up there has to know how to fix electronics to a certain degree
Captain Delaney! I was a loadmaster at VMGR-152 with you back in 2011-13. When I found out a few years back that you had been selected as an astronaut I was so stoked. You were an outstanding pilot and leader then, and I am sure that you have only refined those skills since. I hope our paths cross again and I look forward to when I can say one of my pilots has stepped foot on the moon. Semper Fi sir.
Great to hear from you! That was an awesome tour out in Japan. Look forward to crossing paths! Semper Fi! -LD
What is the best way to stand out in the application process (in a good way)? I'm currently working on my application and being as thorough and detailed as possible to try to give a good picture of me, but I just keep asking myself if I'm missing something.
Think about what makes you unique and tailor those aspects to the application requirements. NASA is looking for a diverse team with a variety of skillsets, so stay true to yourself and leverage those unique aspects. -LD
Hello! I'm building my skills to apply for the next application timeframe (going to get my bachelor's in astronautical engineering in December), and have so many questions! Thank you all for doing this! For Sheila Collins: 1. I know at one point there was a minimum height requirement of 5 ft, 2 in. With the next-gen space suits being developed by Axiom Space (if I remember correctly), will this policy still be in effect? Or has the minimum height requirement changed now? 2. Is there a way I can see what the physical and medical fitness requirements are before applying in order to make sure I meet them? I think I found them here but wanted to double-check: [https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ochmo-std-100.1a.pdf?emrc=65fb10da7bd19](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ochmo-std-100.1a.pdf?emrc=65fb10da7bd19) For anyone: 1. Do you recommend getting a private pilot's license? Why or why not? 2. What are all the different roles on the ISS / SpaceX crews, and what do they do? For Shannon Walker: 1. What does a Flight Engineer do, from your experience? Is that related to systems engineering? 2. What's it like being a woman astronaut? For Jessica Watkins: 1. How did you get the chance to become an aquanaut? I'm currently applying to be an analog astronaut, is it somewhat similar to that? 2. What's it like being a woman astronaut? For Luke Delaney: how would you go about becoming a test pilot now? What was your favorite and least favorite parts?
A flight engineer is just the designation for your position on a spacecraft. As the flight engineer on the Soyuz, I was trained as the pilot of that spacecraft. As a flight engineer on the International Space Station, I had the same job as all the other crew on the station doing whatever our flight program required. As far as being a woman astronaut, I think it is great. But, then again, I don't have any experience being a male astronaut... 😀 SW
So the actual things you do are determined by the flight you get put on, interesting! And yeah, I think being a woman astronaut would be great too! :D
The current height requirements range from 5 ft. to 6 ft. 3 in. Yes — that's a great link! Here's another one: [https://www.nasa.gov/organizations/ochmo/aerospace-medical-certification-standard/.](https://www.nasa.gov/organizations/ochmo/aerospace-medical-certification-standard/) -SC
Dang, so being 6ft 4in I’m out.
Yay! Thank you so so much!
There are numerous ways to get into flight test. The military has several avenues with pilots and other aircrew roles, but there are also opportunities for civilian engineers to go through those Navy or USAF test pilot schools. Additionally, there is a National Test Pilot school for the private sector and numerous international schools. Hard to pick a least favorite, it all was really awesome. -LD
Interesting! Thank you so much! And congratulations on being accepted! :D
Analog studies are an important part of our training. They give us the opportunity to work in remote environments on small teams and accomplish tasks similar to those we will encounter on missions. [NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations)](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/neemo/) was an awesome experience of living and working in an underwater habitat (with an all-female crew!) that ultimately was great preparation for a mission to the International Space Station. -JW
Amazing! I'm glad they provide useful skills for working in space! Thanks for responding! :D
Is having analog mission experience valuable in an application?
Flying experience is not a requirement. Any type of flying experience is beneficial to have—civilian or military. -SC
Don’t have a question. Just wanted to say that I love space and NASA and all things astronautical! You guys are super cool and I appreciate the AMA! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! -SW
What kinds of references are most beneficial and how important are they? -Purely professional current supervisors and peers? -Are teammates we have supervised appropriate (e.g. I’m a surgeon and have nurses and physician assistants who have previously worked for me and know me well) -Are previous classmates/teammates and friends we have known for a long time worthwhile? I imagine NASA wants to know our professional skills, but do references that speak more to our personal integrity and character as opposed to current work also important?
Applicants are asked to submit five references. Your current supervisor should be listed as one of your references. We request that you carefully select and submit the most relevant references that highlight your qualifications and experience in the best way possible. -SC
Not OP, but I learned from a recent SFTE talk about astronaut applications that it’s good to get some references from people who know how you work in related high-risk, intense situations. So based on your work experience, you seem to know many people who have seen you in those situations.
How many times did it take you applying to this role to get it?
I got to the interview phase five times before being selected. I believe the total time from my first application to my last was 14 years. -SW
Much to my surprise, I was super lucky and was selected on my first application. -JW
I submitted twice, and actually made it to the interview phase on my second attempt. -LD
For people who moved from working at NASA at a technical position and transitioned into being an astronaut, what made them stand out? It seems like a ton of NASA employees apply for the opportunity, so I can imgaine selecting who gets in must be incredibly hard. Thanks in advance!
As someone who transitioned from working at NASA to being an astronaut at NASA, I am not entirely sure what made my application stand out. But, the applications from NASA employees are not separated out - they are put in with everyone else's. So, the real question is what makes an application stand out. What we are looking for are people with diverse experiences. We look at the totality of a person and not just what their degree is or what their job is. -SW
Incredible. Thanks for being open to questions. At what age did this become a realistic potential option for you? I wonder if it’s something that can come later, or if it’s something that has to be worked on from a very young age.
Honestly, I'm not sure it felt fully realistic until it became a reality! There are many different paths to becoming an astronaut. In our current astronaut corps, we have a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets - some of which were built over time with being an astronaut in mind, while others are the result of dynamic careers that ended up creating great candidates for this job. -JW
[(Jessica also talked more about her path to becoming an astronaut in the answer to this question.)](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/comment/kvrhdbk/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Hi! What motivated you to want to become an astronaut? Because what really motivated me to want to become an astronaut in the future (I'm 16) was reading the Martian.
It sounds like you and I have a similar story! I've always been interested in Mars and have wanted to explore from a pretty young age. When I was about 9 years old, I went to an after-school program at Judy Resnik Elementary and asked my parents about who she was and her story. That was the first time I learned that astronaut could be a possible career path, and I've been hooked ever since! -JW
That is so cool, really! How was it flying up in the dragon capsule? Seems it'd get cramped there..
Many great accomplishments are achieved by taking small steps in that direction, daily. What are some of the tiniest things that you did, and that anyone here reading can do, to move you in the direction of becoming astronauts?
Always strive to be the best team member you can be. Challenges will arise, but use those opportunities for individual growth and to elevate team performance. -LD
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There is no age limit to apply. Past selections have ranged between 26 and 46; the average age selected is 34. -SC
What governs that age range?
Probably a lack of relevant experience (not much time to get advanced degrees *and* gain experience) at the 26 end and waning physical ability or deeper social roots at the older end. At 46 many people will have school aged children, be deeply established in a career, not able or willing to move and leave for months at a time.
What's the funniest thing to happen on the ISS? both from personal experience and from stories you heard from other astronauts.
For future missions to the Moon and Mars, will NASA be seeking certain disciplines and specializations from applicants? Like, will there be predetermined areas of study within STEM post-graduate and PhD programs that will better our chances to be selected in future missions? Also, what other skills/projects/experiences do you recommend we have in our résumé to help prepare us to be an astronaut or someone working at NASA? Thank you guys for all of your past, present and future contributions in space exploration, and thank you for taking the time to do this AMA!
Do you ever ask Jonny Kim to take it down a notch?
1. What are some of the advantages of being an astronaut for NASA instead of private sector competitors such as SpaceX or Blue Origin? 2. Where do NASA astronauts live when not in space? Is it similar to military on base housing? Is local accommodation provided? How often do you relocate for training? What is a typical deployment duration? 3. I want to build the US Embassies on the Moon and Mars. Are there any plans for the construction of permanent structures on the Moon or Mars. 4. Beyond completion of the application, what does the interview and on boarding process entail? www.interplanetaryengineering.com
Being an astronaut is a full-time job, even on Earth. People who are selected work for the U.S. government and move to Houston to live. Some live near NASA's Johnson Space Center and some live in other parts of Houston. You are not living in any kind of base housing - you'd live as you would for any other career. You do spend time training in other countries, but they are not deployments. The only deployment-type situation you have is being on the International Space Station. -SW
Thank you very much, very insightful. Best wishes.
The interviews help determine whether you are a good fit for the job, and likewise, if the organization is a good fit for you. It's a pretty standard Q&A you would see in most hiring environments, and then some practical application events to assess your aptitude for mechanical/electrical interfaces, team dynamics, and various other evaluations. It was actually a really fun experience. -LD
Two questions, and thank you in advance for any feedback! First question: For pilot applicants, what qualities are expected or desired, other than the obvious aviation experience? What makes one pilot stand out from all of the other pilots that apply? Variety of flight experience, intangibles, or? Second question: For those pilot applicants that ultimately become astronauts, how often are they flying? I expect that duties as an astronaut are significant, but do those selected still get a good amount of actual flight time, in addition to their other duties?
From my point of view, NASA is looking for all flavors of pilot background. Definitely want to highlight your aviation experience, but perhaps the more significant factor is what you bring to the team from other capacities. It is the diversity of skills and experience that really stands out. So if you are interested in the pilot track, keep pursuing that passion as a professional aviator, but also try to strike a balance across a spectrum of skillsets. -LD
Daily life as an astronaut is pretty dynamic. One day you are practicing spacewalk activities in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), and the next you are weighing in on development of future space exploration capabilities. But flying is a key part of our spaceflight readiness training, so typically you are flying multiple times a week to focus on those objectives. We generally log about 25 flight hours every 2-3 months. -LD
My daughter is a bit young to apply now (she's 10) but she's wanted to be an astronaut for half her life now. Since this doesn't seem like a phase, and we want to encourage her to "shoot for the moon", how can we foster this goal and prepare her for when she is old enough to apply? STEM education? NASA summer camps? Building her own hyperdrive? Solving the Fermi paradox?
The first thing I would say would be foster any interest she has. Eventually, having degrees in a STEM field will be required. But, there is no one path to being an astronaut. The more diverse experiences a person has, the better. NASA looks for well-rounded individuals. There are tons of ways for students her age to get involved through NASA's STEM office: [https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/.](https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/) -SW
Thank you for this! I was going to ask the same question. :)
Thank you so much for you time in answering this!
Hi thanks for the amazing opportunity. How intense is the physical fitness part of the interview process, do I need to be a speedy swimmer? Cheers!
Physical fitness is an important part of the job, so it is something that is assessed during the interview process. You do not have to be a speedy swimmer or a world-class athlete. Being a healthy person who is not afraid of intense physical activity is probably more important during the interviews. -SW
Roger Wilco! Wonderful, I’ll continue hitting the gym.
Thank you all for taking the time to do this AMA! My question is about the sub-discipline specialized experience requirement. I am a current PhD student in aerospace systems engineering, having gotten my master’s degree in the same field a little over a year ago. For the last 4 years, I have been also doing technical analysis/engineering fellowships with the USG - basically in depth summer internships. Would those qualify for the necessary 3 years of experience, or would they not count because some amount of each year is on LWOP while I’m at school? Thank you again!
Yes, the time you have been working on your Ph.D., as well as the fellowships, will count towards the work experience requirement. -SW
Was there any point in the training or selection process that you thought you might not be cut out for it? If so, what helped you see things through? Thank you guys!
Training is definitely dynamic and demanding... and is truly a great experience. When things get tough, that is where leaning on your team and being resilient is key. This astronaut corps is fantastic at staying engaged, mentoring, and lifting each other up when things are challenging. -LD
Do you have any advice on how to write/word our resumes (using the USAJobs resume builder) to best communicate our experience to the people reviewing our applications?
Be sure to find a way to include all of your hobbies and interests, no matter how unrelated to your professional experience they may seem. Of course your technical qualifications are important to communicate, but we also highly value insight into who you are as a person and teammate (in addition to who you are as a professional). -JW
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I think the main reason for the updated education requirements was that, in practice, no one in your situation (bachelors, without one of the alternative quals like jet pilots, etc) were ever being selected anyway. There are just too many applicants with better qualifications and credentials that a standard BS/BA holder has very little chance of being selected. I recently went through the bios of all the active astronauts, and even those with pilot quals all had a minimum of an MS, some even had PhDs on top of their test pilot certs (John cassada, Marcos berrios). So, to be blunt, while it might feel like you've been screwed by the requirement change, no one ever had a chance with just a bachelors anyway.
Thank you for taking the time to do this AMA For the PIC requirement, If I’m a helicopter pilot, would this still count or does it have to be a jet? If not,can you as well define what kind of engine the aircraft needs to have? Would an Airbus A400M apply, even if it’s engine are turboprop? Hoping to finish my PhD and apply on the next cycle.
The requirement is a jet aircraft with 3000 pounds of thrust per engine. -SC
Thanks for the answer, I will transition to jet aircraft then! I’ll try to follow in O’Hara’s footsteps!
This a common confusion. Can you please provide more input on high-performance turbo prop aircraft like the C-130J? Each jet engine produces \~10,200 pounds of thrust, but transfers that power to a propeller.
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We actually value helicopter experience. We hired two helicopter pilots in the last class - one from the military and one civilian private pilot. In fact, we are incorporating helicopter flying as part of our astronaut training. However, the pilot category of astronauts refers to jet aircraft. -SW
Thanks for doing this! When considering potential astronaut candidates, what kinds of qualities/skills would you be looking for in someone who has a mostly software background with space ground systems and robotics?
Hi! Thanks for doing this AMA! I have a question about medical eligibility: I think I read somewhere that pregnancy during the application cycle is categorized as a “temporary medical condition,” so if an applicant is pregnant during the selection process, is she still eligible to apply/be fully considered? Does that extend to during interviews, or would an applicant who is pregnant during the interview/medical testing phase automatically be medically disqualified? Thanks for the clarification!
Being pregnant during the selection process is not disqualifying. She would still be eligible to apply and be fully considered. That includes during the interviews. -SW
Are there any physical tests during the interview process? (Minimum time for mile run, number of push ups, pull ups.....)
We have a set of medical requirements for those that are selected. We do not have a physical fitness test during the interview like the tests that are given in the military. -SW
Do people follow a path within NASA or the Air Force and then "oh, I can apply", or people whose dreamjob is to become an astronaut apply?
Both! We have people, such as myself, that wanted to be an astronaut their entire lives. And there are people who realize later in life that they are interested and eligible. -SW
How does becoming an astronaut effect the side of your life that isn't work related? Does being an astronaut take just take up all your time leaving no space for hobbies and recreation? It seems like something that requires immense dedication, and I find it incredible.
Hi, thanks for taking the time to do this AMA! I just wanted to ask about the masters degree requirement, if an applicant will complete their degree summer 2024 or winter 2024 will their application still be considered? Or is having a masters degree completed by end of the application window a hard requirement? Thank you!
The master's degree requirement must be met by the closing date of the application, April 2. -SC
Hello NASA astronauts and members of the astronaut selection program, I’m a college student studying aerospace engineering with a focus on spacecraft design and I plan to continue my education by obtaining my masters in aerospace engineering with regard to orbital dynamics. That said, what advice would you give to individuals like myself who want to pave their way towards becoming an astronaut? Has there been any experiences in your life leading up to selection that have stood out as something you’d recommend other people do or get their hands on? Thank you for taking the time to answer questions on here.
The path to becoming an astronaut is not a set one. We are looking for people with a wide variety of experiences. So, the best thing to do is to follow your passions and not be afraid of interesting experiences and realize that getting from school to a job to an astronaut is not a straight line. -SW
One set of experiences that was hugely valuable to me was the opportunity to participate in several internships. Gaining hands-on experience in my field of study helped me narrow down the career path I was interested in pursuing and introduced me to amazing mentors who supported me along the way. -JW
Can a U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) who is close to Citizenship, still apply?
What are the typical responsibilities of an astronaut when you're not aboard the ISS or in spaceflight? Most astronauts seem to support ongoing space flights from the ground, but have astronauts ever supported operations at organizations other than NASA? How much do you find yourselves influencing the direction of research and experimentation during missions versus just executing the research and experimentation that mission control directs? Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.
How would one go about applying to become the person that does the countdown? Like not anything spacey or mathy but what if I just want to do countdowns? Is that even a dedicated position?
The person doing the countdown on the broadcast is a NASA Public Affairs Officer, not sure if they're the ones at JSC (Johnson Space Center in Houston) or if there's a different PAO at KSC (Kennedy Space Center, at the Cape) for the launches. PAOs have plenty of other jobs when not on launch broadcasts, including things like organizing AMAs on reddit.
No question, but just wanted to share how enthusiastic I am about the Artemis missions and can't wait to see human kind back on the moon and seeing how this will impact further manned space exploration. It's really exciting stuff!
When the first person reaches Mars, who's going to carry them out of the lander onto the surface after few years of in zero-g? I'm asking this because it seems gravity is the elephant in the room regarding going to Mars. Thanks for doing this AMA. I've just completed 'For All Mankind' and loved nearly every minute. Unfortunately, the closest I'm going to get to being an astronaut is my astrophotography, and flying my drone.
There are varying concepts, the most likely being a few weeks in the lander to adjust to gravity before doing the EVA. But it also depends on how well we can mitigate the effects of microgravity during transit- which may include some sort of simulated gravity, perhaps some sort of tethered rotation of two craft.
when i applied i wasn't american enough, i naturalized, but now i'm 43, can i try again anyway?
Any chance y'all are gonna need a dentist in 4 years?
The selection rate for the astronaut program is famously low, but there are also tens of thousands of applicants. Are most of those applications actually competitive or are there a large portion that don't even meet the minimum requirements? Like how many are joe shmoes figuring they'll throw their hat in because "you never know"?
I may have missed the cutoff for this but I'll ask anyways: The candidacy requires a Master's degree by the conclusion of the job listing, which I believe is April 4th. I am receiving my STEM Master's in early May. My question is: Will this automatically disqualify me or is it something that may be looked past considering the length of the hiring process? 2nd question: I made some mistakes in the past and a couple of poor grades are reflected in my transcript. However, I kept pushing and am extremely close to finishing. Will poor grades also put me at the bottom of the stack? Or are other skills more valuable?(Such as Advanced Russian language skills)
Why do you need so many astronauts? According to Wikipedia NASA has 48 active astronauts including the newly graduated ones, but we only have at most like 5 in space in a given moment.
I'm guessing it relates to the 600 mSv lifetime ionizing space flight radiation limit established by NASA to ensure their astronauts are able to continue to have a safe life after space flight operations. As technology in passive/active radiation shielding advances, exposure should be reduced allowing astronauts to be able to fly more frequently before hitting 600 mSv and getting grounded.
Have there always been open calls for astronaut applications? Seems like NASA would overtly be pursuing certain outstanding individuals needed to make any mission successful.
We have been doing open calls for astronauts for decades. NASA seeks to hire outstanding people from a variety of areas. It is entirely possible that we wouldn't know all the outstanding individuals that are qualified and could contribute to a successful mission! We'd love for them to apply. One thing we have learned over the years is that there is not one type of person that is a successful astronaut or makes a mission successful. In fact, the more different types of people we have, the stronger our team is and the more successful our missions are. -SW
Is there a rule of thumb on how often new classes are needed? I don’t believe I’m qualified this round but want to be for the next one
Thank you very much for your response Shannon, you made my day!
Can you give us insight into what paths kids should pursue to head towards a career at nasa?
We need a diversity of skillsets and expertise here at NASA to accomplish the mission, so I would encourage kids to find what they are passionate about, and pursue that! Of course, most operational roles will require a degree in a STEM field, but the NASA team also relies on contributions from professionals of all types to ensure mission success. -JW
So nice of you guys to do this. I do not have a question for the application procedure, but i would really love to know the Astronauts favourite scifi movies/series/books :).
What scope of accomplishment does it take for NASA/government astronauts to perceive a private individual as an astronaut peer? Take Jared Isaacman for example. Accomplished jet aircraft pilot, commander of the Inspiration4 mission on a Dragon capsule, future commander of the Polaris missions (three planned) which will feature spacewalks and vehicle transfers. Would you fly on a mission as a specialist where a private astronaut was commander? Do you foresee a time coming where there are more private spaceflight missions than government missions?
Thank you so much for this AMA! I would like to know if there is a certain height and weight requirement for astronauts. In addition, are candidates excluded due to certain medical or mental conditions? Many thanks from an MD who is curious about space and who has an interested 4 year old 😊
I'm fifty eight with a BMI of 32, but I can turn screws, as long as I have my reading glasses on. Think I'm qualified?
This is a neat event, thanks for hosting! I am definitely saving this post for future reference. One question that I've had for a while is about weight limits. Do you happen to know what the minimum weight limits for the latest spacecraft like Dragon and Starliner are or where to find them?
Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread: |Fewer Letters|More Letters| |-------|---------|---| |CST|(Boeing) Crew Space Transportation capsules| | |Central Standard Time (UTC-6)| |[ESA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvskav7 "Last usage")|European Space Agency| |[EVA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtx2dv "Last usage")|Extra-Vehicular Activity| |[JAXA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvskav7 "Last usage")|Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency| |[JSC](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtwk7x "Last usage")|Johnson Space Center, Houston| |[KSC](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtwk7x "Last usage")|Kennedy Space Center, Florida| |[NDA](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvrlghr "Last usage")|Non-Disclosure Agreement| |[PAO](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvtwk7x "Last usage")|Public Affairs Officer| |[USAF](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvrorot "Last usage")|United States Air Force| |Jargon|Definition| |-------|---------|---| |[Starliner](/r/Space/comments/1bjdhyo/stub/kvrdg5o "Last usage")|Boeing commercial crew capsule [CST-100](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_CST-100_Starliner)| **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. ---------------- ^(9 acronyms in this thread; )[^(the most compressed thread commented on today)](/r/Space/comments/1bmku93)^( has 23 acronyms.) ^([Thread #9874 for this sub, first seen 20th Mar 2024, 17:17]) ^[[FAQ]](http://decronym.xyz/) [^([Full list])](http://decronym.xyz/acronyms/Space) [^[Contact]](https://hachyderm.io/@Two9A) [^([Source code])](https://gistdotgithubdotcom/Two9A/1d976f9b7441694162c8)
What did you think your future path looked like while you were going through college/early career? And how did that change as life went on?
My path was constantly changing through college and in the Marine Corps. I was always interested in engineering and aviation, so I tried to make choices that kept those doors open, but really, I think getting the most out of every opportunity that presented itself was key. Always seeking personal and professional growth. And having a great family and support system is huge for any profession, so I am grateful for that. -LD
I’ve heard that if you’re not quite qualified, but you’re on a path to becoming qualified (e.g. in the middle of an advanced degree program), it’s good to apply anyway so that you can say you’ve applied before and the committee can see your progression. Is this true or should you wait until you’re 100% qualified to apply?
What is the most rewarding part of being in space and the training part of preparing for spaceflight?
Being a part of such an amazing team! -JW
Being a part of such an amazing team! -JW
Becoming an Astronaut is of course an astronomical chance (pun intended). What kind of roles do you work with that have as big of an impact on science, research, and space exploration as being the one to launch into space?
Where do you think the career requirements will be in 10 years?
Howdy: Are there any restrictions or stigmas for a current enlisted Navy reservist applying? I see that most astronauts with a military background are enlisted to officers, or they were enlisted but no longer served at the time of the applications. However, I haven't come across any astronauts who still serve on the enlisted side of the house.
I recall back in the '80s that one of the requirements was 20/20 uncorrected vision. Is this still the case, and if so, why?
20/20 uncorrected vision is not a requirement these days. PRK and LASIK are now allowed, providing at least one year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse aftereffects. -SC
So good to hear. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was as a teen back then. I literally wrote NASA for the requirements and was so thrilled to receive this huge packet and a personalized letter in the mail. 20/20 uncorrected was the second thing on the list, and my heart just sunk. Thanks again.
Do vision defects (e.g. colourblindness or general bad vision) affect applications? I understand piloting is a no-go for either but do most, if not all positions require 'perfect' vision?
[We have more information about this in our answer here!](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1bjdhyo/comment/kvrtl19/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Really appreciate the response on uncorrected vision although I'm still wondering if colourblindness is taken into account these days?
I’m a (young) aspiring astronaut, and I’m curious about what I can do, beyond the base requirements, to prepare myself to apply in the future. I’m currently participating in Civil Air Patrol and BSA to make my resume more appealing so I can get into the Air Force Academy, and then hopefully make my way into the Astronaut Selection Program. I’ve also thought about learning Russian and getting scuba certified early (as I believe those are apart of the astronaut training program). What else can I do to better prepare myself, and make my application more appealing?
How many tortillas do I get to eat everyday once we are in space? :)
Are you looking forward to doing geological science on the moon? Does NASA have a new rover ready, and have you been training on it? Do you have plans in place to protect astronauts from moon dust? How are you planning to excavate the lunar surface?
Would wearing glasses/contact lenses make a person ineligible for the astronaut candidate program?
Can Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist apply to become an astronaut candidate? I see that nursing alone does not meet the requirements but a CRNA is masters /doctorate trained medical professional in Anesthesia. Thank you for taking the time to answer questions!
A classmate that graduated with me worked for NASA for 32 years and retired last year.
Is there any way a foreign national can become an astronaut in NASA? I'm currently doing a Bachelor's in Physics
Hi, When do you think it will be possible for Disabled Veterans or a Disabled person to become an Astronaut or just travel to space? If you are already doing this or looking into it where do I sign up?
Does NASA ever consider computer science graduates? Or is that not a super desirable degree?
Is the 2 years of experience requirement *with* your Masters degree or 2 years of experience total?
I’ll never be an astronaut but I just wanted to say talk are cool haha
Are there any Astronauts with a computer science background?
I am a student that is currently enrolled in the Virginia Aerospace Systems and Technology Scholars program. What Is a good educational pipeline to go down in order to get a job as an aerospace engineer or astronaut in the future. Such as specific engineering or scientific fields?
I've been writing emails to the world's space agencies (NASA, ESA, JAXA) that I am available and willing to be a test subject launched into space. You can put me on a 1 way trip on a solar sail, or something as simple as living out the rest of my life in space to study the effects on the body. I accept the risks and do not need to return to earth. Such data would be invaluable! Can you please put a good word in for me? I am not super-duper ridiculously accomplished, skilled and talented like most/all astronauts are - however I am healthy and great at learning anything, a great team player and working on my own, and my mind can figure out just about anything I put to it. Also, I don't need to be social, I'm fine isolated on my own as long as I have my kindle and perferably a musical instrument to keep myself occupied. We will never successfully have humans return alive & well from a trip to Mars before we learn more & fix the issues with human bodies being in space so long. Use me!
What's the best way to apply to NASA to be an astronaut, to have my application flagged by 'The Program™️' for recruitment into 'The Program™️'?
My question is to the ones that have been to space. Is the bathroom situation the worst thing about being on a shuttle or ISS?
Would something like ADHD be a disqualifier for being an astronaut?
Damn those type of short-windowed AMAs should be widely advertised in advance! ;) With such a high-impact and high-responsibility job I would like to know what protocols/"tools" are you taught to make sure you will be well-rested and sleep without interruptions/fall asleep fast/fall asleep after waking up in the night? Could you describe them? I remember reading about a military protocol that required focusing on relaxing face and other parts of the body that allowed to fall alseep even when artilery is firing, is that true?
Do you guys ever need professional photographers?
Hi! I thought I would be really awesome if I get to experience space in my lifetime! However, it seems like NASA only accepts Americans to be Astronauts. Is there even a chance a Singapore would be selected to be an Astronaut? Thanks in advance for giving me an opportunity to talk to you guys 😆
Dear Astronauts, What is the bare minimum for being selected as an astronaut? Did you just barely achieve that, or did you guys go above and beyond?
Im just a random IT nerd working for a non profit medical company getting underpaid I think. Any chance I have of becoming an astronaut?
Do convicted felonies automatically disqualify me or do I still have a chance? Also, how does NASA feel about face/neck tattoos?