“What do you want to be when you grow up?” If you ask a group of children this question, you will most likely hear dreams of becoming a policeman, a firefighter, or even a super hero.
Well, my answer used to be an astronaut. Growing up, I remember thinking that it was the coolest thing to be able to float around in a rocket ship, eat space food, and of course, walk on the moon. However, as I started getting older, I began to realize there were no astronaut training classes in school, and I really had no direction in figuring out how to become the amazing astronaut I wanted to be. Eventually, my lack of knowledge caused my dream to fade. So, I decided to research what it really takes to become an astronaut for those that want or ever wanted to become one.
There are three types of astronauts in the U.S. space program: commander/pilot, mission specialist, and payload specialist. The commander is in charge of the mission, the crew and the space shuttle. The pilot supports the commander in operating the ship and installing the satellites. The mission specialist works with the commander and pilot in shuttle operations, performs spacewalks and conducts experiments. The payload specialist performs any specialized duties the mission requires.
You must apply for one of these positions by filling out an application and going through one week of interviews, tests, and orientations. Every two years the best 100 candidates are selected by NASA. The basic requirements to qualify for candidacy are the following:
• U.S. citizenship
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics
• 3 years of related experience after obtaining the bachelor's degree (a master's degree equals one year of experience, and a doctorate equals three years).
• Passing a NASA space physical
• More than 1,000 hours experience as pilot-in-command of a jet aircraft
• Height of 58.5 to 76 inches (148.5 cm to 193 cm)
If selected, you will then undergo a two year training program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where you will take classes in basic science, technology, and space shuttle systems. You will also be trained in land and sea survival techniques, SCUBA, microgravity, high and low-pressure environments, and spacesuits. At the end of the two years, some of the candidates will be selected to become astronauts. If you are chosen as an astronaut, you will continue taking classes and training until you are selected for a flight, at which point you will start specific training for the mission at least 10 months prior to the big day of your launch.
As you can see, becoming an astronaut takes a lot of schooling and training, as well as dedication and a little luck. People work their entire lives for one launch. I’m sure that all that hard work pays off once you are in space looking back at Earth. It must truly be a remarkable experience, and it is no surprise that it takes a remarkable person to accomplish it. Making the dream of becoming an astronaut a reality takes a lot of perseverance, but it is not out of reach. If you or your child aspires to being an astronaut, you now know what it takes.
9 comments:
I have even more respect for the men and women who make space accessible and understandable for all of us than I did before. Thanks for sharing the results of your research with all of us, Xavier.
Thank you for sharing these details. This is a useful summary to keep on hand for any want-to-be astronauts I come across in schools.
Wow! Quite a (daunting) list of requirements. The most surprising requirement to me is the 1000 hours of jet aircraft command time. I would think that one would be a requirement for the commander and the pilot but not necessarily the payload specialists. I imagine that they give the teachers and scientists that they sometimes take up with them a hall-pass on that one...
Awesome stuff!
When I was young, I also had dreams of being an astronaut. My parents would send me to science camps ever summer and they even bought me a telescope. To this day can look into the stars and find the "Ryans Belt".
I appreciate this article for bringing back those memories that I can share with my younger cousins.
Thank you Xavier.
I had no idea what it took either, though I figured it wasn't easy. It's obviously a profession that requires heart-felt passion because it is probably the only thing that will drive one through all that time, effort, and risk-bravery, something not stated in the requirements but definitely required! Thanks, Xavier!
Thank you for this informative post, Xavier! That's quite a list!
Your personal story teaches us all how important it is to help a child realize a dream. It's by mentoring and helping that child discover the direction and knowledge they need to pursue before the dream fades. And you have also demonstrated how we all have opportunities to find new dreams and reach for the stars through education, training and dedication. We need to remember to help others find that dream. Thank you for your research.
Only 100 candidates - wow! Great article, Xavier.
As a high school senior, I found the article informative and intriguing. I agree with you that a lot of young men growing up dream of space exploration. I hope your article inspires someone to pursue their dreams and make it a reality.
Thanks, Brent
Post a Comment