Latest News

What does it take to become a NASA astronaut and how much does the space agency pay?
Monday, September 18, 2017 IST
What does it take to become a NASA astronaut and how much does the space agency pay?

The top entry for a Google search on NASA jobs takes you to the US space agency’s official website, lit up with the promise of galaxies far, far away.

“Our work ranges from the everyday operating of our facilities, to exploring furthest limits of the past, present, and future,” reads a description.

The space agency said it received a record 18,300 entries when it invited applications for a new class of astronaut trainees last year. Only 12 were selected and reported for training last month, reported CNN Money on Sunday.

How candidates are chosen

To become a NASA astronaut, applicants must be graduates in a field of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Post graduation and work experience or at least 1,000 hours clocked in flying jets are necessary parameters for selection.

“Astronaut candidates must also have skills in leadership, teamwork and communications,” NASA says on its website.

 
 

About 120 candidates shortlisted are called to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for the second round: physical fitness tests. They must have good eyesight, height between 5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 3 inches and stable blood pressure, which shouldn’t be more than 140/90 in a sitting position.

Then, the applicants have to pass an endurance test and a string of interviews.

If you think you’re the right pick, here ‘s a list of job openings at NASA currently.

Training to be an astronaut

The final astronauts selected must complete a two-year training period. The new astronauts have more at stake as the space agency plans to fly farther into space and reach Mars.

“It’s like getting a full four-year college degree compressed into two years,” The NASA’s oldest active astronaut (62) Donald Pettit tells CNN Money. “There are no summer breaks.”

Some of the exercises astronauts are asked to complete in their training include swimming and treading water for 10 minutes while wearing a flight suit, going scuba -- as underwater environment is similar to space vacuum -- and riding in jets to experience zero gravity, etc.

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
12 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer To Never Ignore

Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...

Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
11 Surprising Benefits Of Wood Apple Or Bael Fruit

The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
10 Amazing Benefits Of Bael (Kaitha)

Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
These 7 Remedies Can Remove The Milia (Milk Spots) From Your Face

Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 
 

More in Entertainment & Fun

 Article
Try These Simple Homemade Drinks That Can Help You Get Rid Of Belly Fat; Learn How To Make Them

Belly fat is not just an extra layer of fat around your belly but the visceral fat which lies deep-down inside your abdomen, surrounding the internal organs lie s...

Recently posted. 614 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Air conditioner’s unintentional negative impact: AC can give you poor sleep

Configure the airflow velocity of your air conditioner to a comfortable sleeping environment, as a study reveals when airflow is directed at a human body a...

Recently posted. 953 views . 13 min read
 

 Article
Weight loss: How Hibiscus tea can help you boost metabolism and lose weight

While green tea is the most popular choice for weight watchers, not everybody develops a taste for it. Here is another tea - the hibiscus tea that can help accelera...

Recently posted. 593 views . 1 min read
 

 Reviews
5 Best Pressure Cooker In India 2019



Recently posted . 1K views . 117 min read
 

 Article
Here's why your kid should drink more milk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 13 US children has a food allergy with milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree...

Recently posted. 862 views . 2 min read
 

 Article
8 Reasons Your Leg Feels Numb

WHAT’S CAUSING THE NUMBNESS IN YOUR LEGS? Who hasn’t experienced a little numbness or tingling in their legs from time to time? Maybe i...

Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

“Do or do not. There is no try.”
Yoda

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top