NOTE ADDED BY DR. RINGWALD, 1999 JANUARY 4: Don't take any of the following too seriously. After asking around among real astronauts, a lot of Henry Spencer's description is out of date, or not quite right. I dislike his advice to "be conservative and conformist in appearance and actions." At this rate, it's no wonder "we've done little but watch the shuttle go up and down, in the past 20 years", as in the words of Dan Goldin himself. Remember, one of the main things I want you to do is to develop a new generation of space technology. This will make space flight become more like riding in a commercial airliner, so nearly anyone can go. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- cf. http://www.gene.com/ae/WN/SU/howto.html and http://www.astro.washington.edu/pnelson/ HOW TO BECOME AN ASTRONAUT There is a mailing list for those interested in sharing information on the astronaut-selection process. If you would like to join, send mail to: astronaut-candidates-request@sauron.msfc.nasa.gov First the short form, authored by Henry Spencer [which was on the sci.space FAQ for many years], then an official NASA announcement. Third, there is a description by someone who actually did it, George "Pinky" Nelson. Q. How do I become an astronaut? A. We will assume you mean a NASA astronaut, since it's probably impossible for a non-Russian to get into the cosmonaut corps (paying passengers are not professional cosmonauts), and the other nations have so few astronauts (and fly even fewer) that you're better off hoping to win a lottery. Becoming a shuttle pilot requires lots of fast-jet experience, which means a military flying career; forget that unless you want to do it anyway. So you want to become a shuttle "mission specialist". If you aren't a US citizen, become one; that is a must. After that, the crucial thing to remember is that the demand for such jobs vastly exceeds the supply. NASA's problem is not finding qualified people, but thinning the lineup down to manageable length. It is not enough to be qualified; you must avoid being *dis*qualified for any reason, many of them in principle quite irrelevant to the job. Get a Ph.D. Specialize in something that involves getting your hands dirty with equipment, not just paper and pencil. Degree(s) in one field plus work experience in another seems to be a frequent winner. Be in good physical condition, with good eyesight. (DO NOT get a radial keratomy or similar hack to improve your vision; nobody knows what sudden pressure changes would do to RKed eyes, and long-term effects are poorly understood. For that matter, avoid any other significant medical unknowns.) If you can pass a jet-pilot physical, you should be okay; if you can't, your chances are poor. Practise public speaking, and be conservative and conformist in appearance and actions; you've got a tough selling job ahead, trying to convince a cautious, conservative selection committee that you are better than hundreds of other applicants. (And, also, that you will be a credit to NASA after you are hired: public relations is a significant part of the job, and NASA's image is very prim and proper.) The image you want is squeaky-clean workaholic yuppie. Remember also that you will need a security clearance at some point, and Security considers everybody guilty until proven innocent. Keep your nose clean. Get a pilot's license and make flying your number one hobby; experienced pilots are known to be favored even for non-pilot jobs. Work for NASA; of 45 astronauts selected between 1984 and 1988, 43 were military or NASA employees, and the remaining two were a NASA consultant and Mae Jemison (the first black female astronaut). If you apply from outside NASA and miss, but they offer you a job at NASA, ***TAKE IT***; sometimes in the past this has meant "you do look interesting but we want to know you a bit better first". Think space: they want highly motivated people, so lose no chance to demonstrate motivation. Keep trying. Many astronauts didn't make it the first time. ======================================================================= [Official NASA announcement] NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas: Announcement for Mission Specialist and Pilot Astronaut Candidates Astronaut Candidate Program The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a need for Pilot Astronaut Candidates and Mission Specialist Astronaut Candidates to support the Space Shuttle Program. NASA is now accepting on a continuous basis and plans to select astronaut candidates as needed. Persons from both the civilian sector and the military services will be considered. All positions are located at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and will involved a 1-year training and evaluation program. Space Shuttle Program Description The numerous successful flights of the Space Shuttle have demonstrated that operation and experimental investigations in space are becoming routine. The Space Shuttle Orbiter is launched into, and maneuvers in the Earth orbit performing missions lastling up to 30 days. It then returns to earth and is ready for another flight with payloads and flight crew. The Orbiter performs a variety of orbital missions including deployment and retrieval of satellites, service of existing satellites, operation of specialized laboratories (astronomy, earth sciences, materials processing, manufacturing), and other operations. These missions will eventually include the development and servicing of a permanent space station. The Orbiter also provides a staging capability for using higher orbits than can be achieved by the Orbiter itself. Users of the Space Shuttle's capabilities are both domestic and foreign and include government agencies and private industries. The crew normally consists of five people - the commander, the pilot, and three mission specialists. On occasion additional crew members are assigned. The commander, pilot, and mission specialists are NASA astronauts. Pilot Astronaut Pilot astronauts server as both Space Shuttle commanders and pilots. During flight the commander has onboard responsibility for the vehicle, crew, mission success and safety in flight. The pilot assists the commander in controlling and operating the vehicle. In addition, the pilot may assist in the deployment and retrieval of satellites utilizing the remote manipulator system, in extra-vehicular activities, and other payload operations. Mission Specialist Astronaut Mission specialist astronauts, working with the commander and pilot, have overall responsibility for the coordination of Shuttle operations in the areas of crew activity planning, consumables usage, and experiment and payload operations. Mission specialists are required to have a detailed knowledge of Shuttle systems, as well as detailed knowledge of the operational characteristics, mission requirements and objectives, and supporting systems and equipment for each of the experiments to be conducted on their assigned missions. Mission specialists will perform extra-vehicular activities, payload handling using the remote manipulator system, and perform or assist in specific experimental operations. Astronaut Candidate Program Basic Qualification Requirements Applicants MUST meet the following minimum requirements prior to submitting an application. Mission Specialist Astronaut Candidate: 1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Degree must be followed by at least three years of related progressively responsible, professional experience. An advanced degree is desirable and may be substituted for part or all of the experience requirement (master's degree = 1 year, doctoral degree = 3 years). Quality of academic preparation is important. 2. Ability to pass a NASA class II space physical, which is similar to a civilian or military class II flight physical and includes the following specific standards: Distant visual acuity: 20/150 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20, each eye. Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position. 3. Height between 58.5 and 76 inches. Pilot Astronaut Candidate: 1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Degree must be followed by at least three years of related progressively responsible, professional experience. An advanced degree is desirable. Quality of academic preparation is important. 2. At least 1000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Flight test experience highly desirable. 3. Ability to pass a NASA Class I space physical which is similar to a military or civilian Class I flight physical and includes the following specific standards: Distant visual acuity: 20/50 or better uncorrected correctable to 20/20, each eye. Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position. 4. Height between 64 and 76 inches. Citizenship Requirements Applications for the Astronaut Candidate Program must be citizens of the United States. Note on Academic Requirements Applicants for the Astronaut Candidate Program must meet the basic education requirements for NASA engineering and scientific positions -- specifically: successful completion of standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university leading to at least a bachelor's degree with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. The following degree fields, while related to engineering and the sciences, are not considered qualifying: - Degrees in technology (Engineering Technology, Aviation Technology, Medical Technology, etc.) - Degrees in Psychology (except for Clinical Psychology, Physiological Psychology, or Experimental Psychology which are qualifying). - Degrees in Nursing. - Degrees in social sciences (Geography, Anthropology, Archaeology, etc.) Degrees in Aviation, Aviation Management or similar fields. Application Procedures Civilian The application package may be obtained by writing to: NASA Johnson Space Center, Astronaut Selection Office, ATTN: AHX Houston, TX 77058 Civilian applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. When NASA decides to select additional astronaut candidates, consideration will be given only to those applications on hand on the date of decision is made. Applications received after that date will be retained and considered for the next selection. Applicants will be notified annually of the opportunity to update their applications and to indicate continued interest in being considered for the program. Those applicants who do not update their applications annually will be dropped from consideration, and their applications will not be retained. After the preliminary screening of applications, additional information may be requested for some applicants, and person listed on the application as supervisors and references may be contacted. Active Duty Military Active duty military personnel must submit applications to their respective military service and not directly to NASA. Application procedures will be disseminated by each service. Selection Personal interviews and thorough medical evaluations will be required for both civilian and military applicants under final consideration. Once final selections have been made, all applicants who were considered will be notified of the outcome of the process. Selection rosters established through this process may be used for the selection of additional candidates during a one year period following their establishment. General Program Requirements Selected applicants will be designated Astronaut Candidates and will be assigned to the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. The astronaut candidates will undergo a 1 year training and evaluation period during which time they will be assigned technical or scientific responsibilities allowing them to contribute substantially to ongoing programs. They will also participate in the basic astronaut training program which is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required for formal mission training upon selection for a flight. Pilot astronaut candidates will maintain proficiency in NASA aircraft during their candidate period. Applicants should be aware that selection as an astronaut candidate does not insure selection as an astronaut. Final selection as an astronaut will depend on satisfactory completion of the 1 year training and evaluation period. Civilian candidates who successfully complete the training and evaluation and are selected as astronauts will become permanent Federal employees and will be expected to remain with NASA for a period of at least five years. Civilian candidates who are not selected as astronauts may be placed in other positions within NASA depending upon Agency requirements and manpower constraints at that time. Successful military candidates will be detailed to NASA for a specified tour of duty. NASA has an affirmative action program goal of having qualified minorities and women among those qualified as astronaut candidates. Therefore, qualified minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Pay and Benefits Civilians Salaries for civilian astronaut candidates are based on the Federal Governments General Schedule pay scales for grades GS-11 through GS-14, and are set in accordance with each individuals academic achievements and experience. Other benefits include vacation and sick leave, a retirement plan, and participation in group health and life insurance plans. Military Selected military personnel will be detailed to the Johnson Space Center but will remain in an active duty status for pay, benefits, leave, and other similar military matters. ======================================================================= Finally, something by George "Pinky" Nelon, an astronomer who actually did become a NASA astronaut. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frequently asked questions about becoming a NASA Mission Specialist Astronaut. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER This page represents my opinions only, not the Official NASA Party Line. It is meant to be an easily accessible source of answers to questions that I get daily from interested people. Please do not take any action based on the information contained below. If you are seriously considering becomming an astronaut contact the Astronaut Selection Office, NASA, Johnson Space Center, Code AHX, Houston, Texas 77058. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Medical, Physical, Psychological General Comments Since there are many more qualified applicants than can possibly be selected, medical criteria become a tool for thinning the pack. Most are legitimate concerns such as size, eyesight and psychological make-up. Some are less well supported but are nevertheless applied as a result of historical precident, lore or a hint that a factor may be important. Remember, the selection process is looking for a reason to reduce the number of qualified applicants. Physical condition plays a factor only in the general impression on the selection board. The Astronaut Office tends to be a group that works hard and stays very fit. Competition for crew slots is keen and any advantage, however subtle, is real. Also, since the selection process tends to be self-replicating, fit people will tend to choose other fit people to become their peers. The doctors will not disqualify someone for being out of shape. Psychology is not a major factor in the formal selection process. Applicants are screened by psychiatrists but only for an up or down opinion, no psychiatric analysis is factored into the process except a yes or no vote. Very, very few applicants are rejected by the shrinks. On the other hand, the impression you make on the selection board is very important. As I said, it is a self-replicating group so if you are lucky enough to be like them it is a plus. If you are very different, you may be extremely qualified but have a slim chance of being selected. My advice is to always play it straight during the selection process. If you are hired because they think you are someone you are not, everyone will be unhappy. At 20/200 my vision is correctable with either glasses or contacts -- will this pose a problem for me? Yes! The eyesight limits for consideration are 20/150 correctable to 20/20. If your eyesight is worse, you will not be considered. RK is also disqualifying so don't go under the blade if you don't want to just to try and get selected. The original limits were 20/100 for Mission Specialists and there has been talk of raising them to 20/200, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Is a history of kidney stones disqualifying? I think so. Kidney stones is a worry during spaceflight because your body is shedding lots of minerals. There has been some history of problems on the ground, but nothing I know of yet in flight. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Education, Experience General Comments Officially, only a BS in a technical field and three years of appropriate experience are required. In fact almost all successful candidates have MS's and most Ph.D.'s or M.D.'s. The engineers are more likely to not have a PH.D. but will have more experience. The school you attend for undergraduate and graduates school is important. Getting into and excelling in the competitive environment of a tough school with a good reputation reflects well on the individual. Grades and GRE test scores are very important. If you blew off the first two years of your undergraduate education and got a less than stellar GPA, it may be too late. Remember, the competition is stiff. NASA is not out beating the bushes to find the one or two golden candidates; there are many highly skilled applicants with great GPA's from the best schools. As far as a major field of study, my advice is to follow your own interests. It is a cliche, but you will do better in a field that you are most interested in. The selection process does not go looking for a certain number of astronomers or medical doctors. It does go looking for the best astronomers and doctors. One branch of engineering is as good as another, I think. Spaceflight is a flying job and interest and experience with aviation is a definite plus for any applicant. There is no substitution for actual flight experience and savvy. In the Shuttle or on the Space Station realtime, operational decisions must be made. The best way to develop your ability to perform is to practice. You will have to convince the selection board that you are not only the smartest whatever to come along, but that you can perform when your butt's on the line. Does it help or hinder to work for NASA in another role? History would indicate that it helps to have worked for the human spaceflight program or in the flying components of NASA. It only makes sense that known individuals who exceed the requirements and expectations of the astronaut office will be given a close look in the selection process. Besides, working in the space program can be a challenging and rewarding job in itself and they need all the good folks they can get. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Activities and Other Interests General Comments There are more than enough qualified candidates. The problem faced in the selection process is to winnow the number down to a manageable size. Therefore, if you want to be noticed it helps to have a background that makes you stand out from all the other overachievers. The toughest hurdle to get over in the selection process is to get to the interviews. Almost everyone who is intervewed looks like a winner on paper. They are people who are outstanding in their fields, and have done lots of things. There are no secret activities that will make you more competative. Sports, aviation, outside fun and games are the typical interests of the folks in the office. We have selected candidates with very little flying experience over someone who is a competition aerobatic pilot because they are a better personality fit. Again my advice, even though it sounds like a cliche, is to pursue your own interests as hard as you can. Excellence, drive, ambition, and operational savvy are all traits that can be demonstrated lots of ways through lots of activities. So can your capabilities as a team player and leader. It helps to know some of the current or past astronauts or key people in human spaceflight program professionally so they can give you a credible recommendation. That's where the advantage of working for NASA comes in. Is it true that you need to play a musical instrument or softball to have a chance of being selected? No. If you're really good or have done interesting things with it, maybe. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------