What it’s really like to become a NASA astronaut: 10 surprising facts few people know

NASA astronaut requirements: Thousands of Americans apply to be NASA astronaut each year, but only a handful will make it. Behind the excitement of launch photos and spacewalks is a long, uncertain road that begins years before anyone ever straps into a spacecraft.

Here’s what it’s really like to become a NASA astronaut and what happens after you’re chosen.

1. Most astronauts start over in their 30s or 40s

Astronaut candidates are often selected in mid-career, leaving prestigious jobs to start again at the bottom. However, there’s no guarantee they’ll ever fly in space, as per a report.

2. The basic requirements are demanding

NASA requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, plus three years of professional experience or 1,000 hours as pilot-in-command in jet aircraft, as per a Space.com report. Candidates must also pass NASA’s astronaut physical exam.

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3. Extra skills can make a difference

Scuba diving, wilderness survival, leadership experience and fluency in other languages, especially Russian are valuable assets. All astronauts today are required to learn Russian.

4. Astronaut classes have evolved over time

NASA has selected 22 astronaut classes since 1959. Early groups were largely military test pilots. Over time, the agency expanded to include scientists and more diverse backgrounds, including the first female, African-American and Asian-American astronauts in 1978. In 2013, NASA selected its first class evenly split between men and women.

5. Today’s astronauts train for multiple spacecraft

In 2017 astronauts were using Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station. But now, they have flown on NASA’s Orion spacecraft for deep-space missions, and even commercial vehicles from SpaceX and Boeing are also developed to launch astronauts from American soil again.

6. Their destination isn’t always certain

New astronauts may travel to the International Space Station, which is scheduled to last until at least 2024 and possibly longer. NASA is also testing Orion for deep-space missions and has long-term hopes of sending astronauts to Mars in the 2030s. A proposed “deep-space gateway” near the moon could help prepare for those missions.

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7. Most of the job happens on Earth

Astronauts spend only a fraction of their careers in space. Much of their time goes toward training and supporting missions from the ground, including technical roles at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

8. Basic training lasts about two years

New candidates undergo survival training, language instruction and technical training. They learn how to spacewalk, operate robotics, fly NASA’s T-38 jets and train in the 60-foot-deep Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory pool. They also practice capturing spacecraft with a robotic arm and complete geology and survival exercises.

9. It’s an international effort

NASA astronauts work closely with global partners. Roscosmos operates modules on the space station and flies Soyuz spacecraft. The Canadian Space Agency supports robotic operations like Canadarm2. The European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency also contribute astronauts and expertise.

10. The selection process is intense

From more than a thousand applications, qualified candidates are reviewed by panels that include current astronauts. After multiple rounds of interviews and medical screenings, the final group is chosen from about 50 top candidates. Those selected receive a phone call from NASA leadership before the public announcement.

Once chosen, new astronauts report to the Johnson Space Center, are sworn into civil service and begin training within months. Many relocate with their families to Houston and leave behind established careers for the opportunity.

FAQs

What degree do you need to apply to NASA?

NASA requires a bachelor’s degree in fields like engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, along with relevant work experience or flight hours.



Do astronauts usually apply right out of college to get into NASA?

No. Many are chosen in their 30s or 40s after building strong careers in science, engineering, aviation or the military.