Would you like to work on the space station? Would you like to be in the first manned space craft to go to Mars? Would you like to be in the shuttle as it takes off from Cape Canaveral for deep space adventures?
If you’re interested in space travel, then there are things you need to learn -- and it’s never too early to start! In fact, preparation can start as early as elementary school. Colonel Charlie Bolden of the US Naval Academy says, "Start with the basics and get them down, first … you can’t do anything without math and science."
And don’t forget to do a little extra reading. If you dream of becoming an astronaut, then head down to your local library and check out books about astronauts, astronomy, flight, and any science subject that interests you!
As you get older and go to high school, it’s particularly important that you study hard and make the best grades possible because that will help you get into a good university. Try to take engineering classes or advanced placement classes in math, biology, or physical science.
But, don’t take those history or English classes lightly! They’re just as important when you’re working with NASA as physics or biology. You should also consider studying a foreign language because a career in space is a career working internationally, so knowing more than one language will help you communicate with astronauts from other countries like Russia.
Once you get to college, the minimum degree you need to become an astronaut is a bachelor’s degree plus three years of related professional experience; however, most astronauts currently working with NASA have post-graduate degrees as well as the work in their field. One of the best ways to get experience is through internships and co-op opportunities. Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a Mission Specialist recommends getting any kind of experience you can, "There isn’t one particular type of work experience that NASA is looking for. NASA -- like any employer -- wants to know how well a person has done."
Keep in mind, if you want to be in a pilot or commander position on a space shuttle mission, you also have to have flight experience. NASA requires at least one thousand hours of flight time in command of a jet aircraft in consideration of this important role.
If you want to make sure you’re taking the right courses in college, try to attend one of the 51 colleges and universities that are a part of the Space Grant Consortia. NASA contributes funds to these institutions to ensure they have a curriculum that are in line with NASA requirements. If you’d like a list of these colleges, you can write to: NASA Education Division, Code FEO2, 300 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20546.
Wherever you go, one thing remains the same. You have to do the very best you can, make good grades, stay out of trouble and stay clean and healthy. Nothing can side-track your life faster than drugs and alcohol, so stay focused on your dream of space and your future.
You’ve Gotten Your Degrees … You Have Experience … Now What?
Once you have finished the NASA requirements, you need to send in the US Government Application Form 171 to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Your application will be ranked by physical considerations like height, experience and expertise. Just like any other application process, you will be competing against an average of more than four thousand other applicants for about twenty slots that open up every two years. These applications continue to be narrowed down to the most qualified -- usually around 120 applicants -- who then go through a week of interviews, medical exams and orientation.
What Kind of Astronaut Do You Want to Be?
There are all kinds of jobs to do when you’re in space, so there are all kinds of astronauts -- each with their own specialty.
Pilot Astronauts -- are the commanders or pilots of the space shuttle. They are responsible for the vehicle, crew, mission success and safety. Second in command on the ship is also a pilot astronaut and must help his commander control and operate the shuttle.
Mission Specialist Astronauts -- work closely with the commander and pilot and are responsible for coordinating on-board operations involving crew activity planning, conducting experiments and overseeing payload activities. They are required to have a detailed knowledge of shuttle systems as well as perform experiments, spacewalks and payload handling functions.
Payload Specialists -- are skilled in operating shuttle equipment. Selection of this shuttle member is made by the payload sponsor or client and approved by NASA. A payload specialist receives intensive training for his or her mission assignment as well as comprehensive flight training to become familiar with the shuttle systems.
Other Career Opportunities at NASA
In addition to being an astronaut, there are lots of job opportunities in aerospace technology! If you really like science, think about the following careers:
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Or, if you like math and engineering, you could be any one of these:
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There are also a number of jobs available in non-technical fields:
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For more information about space, becoming an astronaut or doing other work in the aerospace field, head down to your local library and ask your librarian for the best books, magazines and websites on the subject.
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