Do you ever lay down on the grass, gazing at the stars, longing to become an astronaut? Well, if that’s your dream, you'll have to do more than just lie here. The field demands commitment and dedication, and you can only secure a spot if you're passionate and well prepared.

As of April 2020, only 566 people out of eight billion have traveled to space—this one stat is enough to emphasize this industry's competitive nature. Most astronauts are associated with NASA, which means they went through a very rigorous recruitment process.

In this blog, we’ll share the steps that go into the process of becoming an astronaut.

Get Schooled to Meet Educational Prerequisites

NASA’s Artemis program plans to put the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. In fact, the new SLS rocket will carry humans further into space and will eventually let them leave their footprints on Mars!

Time to get hustling, right? The first part of the acceptability criteria is fulfilling the educational prerequisites. Similar standards are set by other countries too. The following are the key points to note:

• US citizenship and at least a bachelor’s degree in a STEM fieldare musts.  
• Previous experience with an aircraft is a plus point.
• A rich professional background in education, research, and engineering is highly favored.
• You need to have at least two years of professional experience or 1,000 pilot-in-command hours on a jet aircraft.

Note: The Master’s degree can be replaced by a doctoral program or a nationally recognized pilot school program.

Excel the Physical & Psychological Qualities

Becoming an astronaut requires mental and physical strength. Space agencies look for highly potent candidates who can meet their strict physical assessment criteria.

As an astronaut, you’ll be living in restricted and confined spaces for extended durations. There's significantly little human interaction, and hence, a high affinity for teamwork is vital for survival. The intense physical criteria include (but are not limited to) the following elements:

• You must have a 20/20 vision.
• Your BP shouldn't be more than 140/90.
• The height required to pass the physical is between 62 to 75 inches.

Moreover, skills like analytical, communication, critical thinking, stress management, decision-making, mechanical, problem-solving, and self-disciplinary skills are imperative.

Use the Golden Tips for Aspiring Astronauts

Lyle Tavernier, an Educational Tech Specialist at NASA/JPL, shares the following expert tips for students who wish to pursue a career in this field:

• Keep Yourself Updated:Regularly attend science fairs, read magazines, catch up on what’s new, gear up your tech know-how, and be an active participant in school projects.
• Plan Accordingly:If you want to land on the Moon or maybe Mars one day, start preparing yourself today. Stay on the lookout for internships and project trainee positions at relevant space agencies.
• Stay Fit:Being an astronaut is a physically demanding job. Eat, sleep, and exercise right. Stay healthy by keeping junk food and cigarettes at bay.

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