Want to Become an Astronaut? Here's How!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pathways to becoming an astronaut, including educational requirements, citizenship considerations, and the competitiveness of astronaut selection programs. Participants explore various backgrounds and qualifications that may influence candidacy for NASA and other space agencies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that most astronauts come from military backgrounds, particularly former test pilots, while others argue that mission specialists can be civilians.
  • There is a consensus that the astronaut selection process is highly competitive, with many participants noting the importance of advanced degrees, particularly PhDs, for mission specialists.
  • One participant raises concerns about the feasibility of becoming an astronaut without American citizenship, suggesting that non-U.S. candidates face significant barriers.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that aspiring astronauts could consider purchasing a ticket with the Russian space agency if they have the financial means.
  • Some participants express curiosity about the requirements and qualifications needed, with discussions about the importance of technical education and language proficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the competitive nature of astronaut selection and the significance of educational background. However, there are differing views on the necessity of military experience and the implications of citizenship on candidacy.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific requirements for astronaut candidates from different countries and the varying pathways available based on individual backgrounds.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing a career as an astronaut, those exploring educational paths in science and engineering, and anyone curious about the astronaut selection process.

Ahmadsh
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Hi every body ,anyone can give me any idea about my Question !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Work for Nasa. :-p
 
I believe most astronauts are taken from the military (specifically as former test pilots). The astronaut program is VERY selective.
 
z-component said:
I believe most astronauts are taken from the military (specifically as former test pilots). The astronaut program is VERY selective.
Yes it is very selective, but the military is NOT the main place. 99% of the pilots are from the military, but the mission specialists are comprised of a lot of civilians.

http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts/

Check out the requirements and see if you meet them. As was previously mentioned, it is extremely cut throat competitive.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
to cyrusabdollahi

To cyrusabdollahi what do you mean by your words when you replay to my question?
 
Ahmadsh said:
To cyrusabdollahi what do you mean by your words when you replay to my question?

He was just being funny. Have you read the NASA link that FredGarvin posted? Are you already a pilot? Or are you interested more in the Mission Specialist angle?
 
Hello berkeman

berkeman said:
He was just being funny. Have you read the NASA link that FredGarvin posted? Are you already a pilot? Or are you interested more in the Mission Specialist angle?

Ok,but I don't think he is a funny whatever,I read the link &I'm not the pilot I'm engineering my major "communication" and i asked my Question in order to
Curiosity and i want to know
 
Are you even an American? Your odds of becoming an astronaut with that background are extremely slim with that kind of background and utterly nonexistent if you are not from the US and of that background. If you really want to make an attempt to become an astronaut, you'll need to get a science/technical education.
 
Getting in with an MS is hard enough. Most mission specialists are PhDs.
 
  • #10
You have to be American to be a NASA astronaut -- don't you?

Best bet would be to make a load of money in something else and buy a ticket with the Russians :biggrin:
 
  • #11
thanxxxxxxxxxxx to all People I'm so sorry if my Question has Angered you
&i'm so sorry for my weak language in Expression
 
  • #12
American citizenship for NASA, I believe. They certainly do take candidates of various nationalities though, although your english has to be perfect. The same goes for ESA who are likewise getting through quite a few astronauts. Again, I believe their primary command language is English.
 
  • #13
Pay $20million to the RSA, pass their physical and up you go!

:P
 

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