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Astronaut training at NASA is rigorous and demanding, but for those who are committed, it can become a reality. Pilot astronauts are viewed as the top dogs and must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical or biological sciences, or mathematics, as well as flown jet aircraft for at least 1,000 hours. Astronaut training takes place at the Johnson Space Center in Houston and includes academic courses, shuttle simulators, and simulations of weightlessness. After the first year, advanced astronaut training focuses on specific skills required during a mission.
For many people, venturing into space is a lifelong dream. The idea of traveling to the uncharted reaches of the universe has an irresistible attraction for some people. For many, it will remain an unfulfilled dream, but for others who have the commitment, astronaut training can become a reality.
While the selection process is rigorous, many people from civilian and military life are chosen for NASA’s astronaut candidate program.
If the application is accepted, a one-year training program must be completed. Upon completion of training, candidates become members of the astronaut corps. A year within the corps makes one eligible to take part in a flying assignment.
Pilot astronauts are viewed as the top dogs within the spaceflight program. The pilot astronaut must undergo rigorous training and is in effect the captain of the ship. Responsibility for the crew, vehicle, and mission falls on the shoulders of the pilot astronaut.
Prerequisites for pilot astronauts include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical or biological sciences, or mathematics. A candidate must also have flown jet aircraft for at least 1,000 hours. US citizenship is also a prerequisite.
There are other types of astronaut roles, but they all have very similar prerequisites regarding education, physical fitness, and citizenship. Other astronaut roles include payload and mission specialists. Astronaut training is very intensive and demanding and should be given great consideration before applying.
Astronaut training takes place at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston. Academic courses include studies in technical and mathematical sciences, as well as in meteorology, astronomy, physics and computer science. Astronaut training includes work on shuttle simulators. This involves knowing the instrument cluster and error situations if you run into problems.
Another part of the training process is simulating weightlessness. This training takes place both in an airplane and in large water tanks. During this training, trainees are taught how to perform tasks in zero gravity—not just routine tasks like eating, but also tasks like shuttle repairs and spacewalks.
After the basic skills have been learned in the first year, the next step is advanced astronaut training. This training focuses on specific skills that are required during a mission. Much of this training takes place in the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS).
Every possible scenario will be acted out and re-enacted using simulations and scripts. Simulations include visual and sound simulations. From take-off and flight to re-entry and landing, all aspects are rigorously tested down to the smallest detail. There are around 7000 different malfunction scenarios that can be tested with the SMS simulator. Astronaut training is challenging for a reason and requires extraordinary dedication to complete successfully.
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