Is it possible to be both an astronaut and astrophysicist?

AI Thread Summary
It is possible for someone to be both an astronaut and an astrophysicist, but achieving a successful career in astrophysics after an ISS mission is rare. Historical examples show that astronauts often do not return to their original fields; for instance, Harrison Schmitt did not pursue geology after his spaceflight. The time commitment required for astronaut training and missions can detract from a scientist's research career. While some individuals, like Curt Michel, have maintained their scientific pursuits, many face challenges in balancing both roles. Ultimately, the path to becoming an astronaut and continuing a career in astrophysics requires exceptional dedication and unique qualifications.
riley4190
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If someone earns phD in astrophysics and then he/she is selected to be an astronaut, is it possible that this person will have a REALLY successful career in astrophysics?
I've read so many times that after coming back to Earth astronauts are usually mentors and educators.
So, my question is: is it possible to be a successful astrophysicist after an ISS mission?
 
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What percentage of astrophysicists are selected for ISS missions? If you end up in that elite stratosphere of scientists/astronauts, I don't think you will need to worry about job prospects. Study hard and reach high! :smile:
 
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Sally Ride comes to mind.

Peace,
Fred
 
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nataananidze said:
is it possible that this person will have a REALLY successful career in astrophysics?

I don't think it's ever really happened. Look at, e.g. Harrison Schmitt. He didn't go back to geology. The closest might be Curt Michel, but he never went into space.
 
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berkeman said:
Study hard and reach high!
Not only study but think different. You'll have to show how different you are from others so as to be specially chosen to be an astronaut.

Good luck! Hope to see you writing in PF from ISS.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
Not only study but think different. You'll have to show how different you are from others so as to be specially chosen to be an astronaut.

Good luck! Hope to see you writing in PF from ISS.

Thanks for the last sentence ^^
 
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Re: Lampton. But JDEM never happened.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Re: Lampton. But JDEM never happened.
Right, Mike never made it to space. Must have frustrated the hell out of him to be selected for mission after mission (4 or 5 as I recall) and have all of them canceled or something that kept him from ever going. He did continue to do scientific research however (in cosmology) so he really was both an astronaut and a research scientist.
 
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JDEM was the post-NASA activity. And that never happened. (In addition to the flights not happening)

I think fundamentally this is an issue with time. If you spend N years of your life as an astronaut, that's N years of your life you don't spend as a whatever. It's the same issue that vexes the people who come here and say "my plan is to get 3 PhDs, and then..."
 

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