3 answers
sokar
Student
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Question
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what do i need to be an Austronaunt. I am confused of what to study or what fields to focus on.?
i just want info on what type of gpa i would need for scholorships what fields to go after and how can i make my college resume look good for future refrence as i am just going into high school.
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3 answers
Bhavna Sheth
107
Answers
Collinsville, Virginia
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
To become an astronaut, you need a strong educational background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Here are some of the things you can do to increase your chances of becoming an astronaut:
1. Get a Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in any STEM field is essential. It includes physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
2. Choose your career path: Explore related fields and choose your career path accordingly. Consider majoring in aeronautical or astronautical engineering or other space-related sciences, which deal with the study of the solar system, space, and the universe.
3. Gain work experience: After completing your degree, gain employment in a related field. Building up a career in research labs, engineering firms, and similar industries will provide you with valuable experience.
4. Consider advanced degrees: To stay competitive, a graduate degree like a Master's or a Doctorate will be helpful.
5. Physical fitness: Astronauts need to be in excellent physical condition. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
6. Apply to be a NASA Astronaut Candidate: NASA periodically recruits astronaut candidates through a competitive process. Check the NASA website to learn about their minimum requirements, how to apply, and the selection process.
Becoming an astronaut is a challenging and competitive endeavor, so it is essential to stay focused, committed, and motivated throughout the process.
I hope this helps. Good luck
1. Get a Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in any STEM field is essential. It includes physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
2. Choose your career path: Explore related fields and choose your career path accordingly. Consider majoring in aeronautical or astronautical engineering or other space-related sciences, which deal with the study of the solar system, space, and the universe.
3. Gain work experience: After completing your degree, gain employment in a related field. Building up a career in research labs, engineering firms, and similar industries will provide you with valuable experience.
4. Consider advanced degrees: To stay competitive, a graduate degree like a Master's or a Doctorate will be helpful.
5. Physical fitness: Astronauts need to be in excellent physical condition. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
6. Apply to be a NASA Astronaut Candidate: NASA periodically recruits astronaut candidates through a competitive process. Check the NASA website to learn about their minimum requirements, how to apply, and the selection process.
Becoming an astronaut is a challenging and competitive endeavor, so it is essential to stay focused, committed, and motivated throughout the process.
I hope this helps. Good luck
Joseph Ford
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Purdue University has a Study for Austronaunt. I would suggest looking into this.
thanks joseph i certainly will look into this
sokar
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
219
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
To be a Austronaut, you have to be from Australia (or maybe Austria) 😜
Seriously though, something they will be looking for is diligence; mistakes in space can be very expensive or even impossible to go back and fix later, and even as little as a letter out of place could cause massive issues, particularly if it's in computer code or something like matching a serial number - so you'll want to get into the habit of checking your work before you submit to make sure it's as close to right-first-time as possible.
As the other answers have suggested, historically a lot of astronauts have needed degree, Masters, or even doctoral qualifications in a STEM discipline, and also military flying experience and even test-pilot experience has provided a significant advantage. Some of that is still the case, and following an advanced STEM education is very likely going to be an advantage still.
However, they are now trying to look for a broader range of people, skills and backgrounds. STEM is becoming STEAM as people recognise the importance of creative thinking encouraged in the Arts, and beyond that many space agencies are looking to build a more diverse workforce - I remember seeing something from ESA in the last few years that they were encouraging even people with physical disabilities to apply. Given changes like these at the moment, it's hard to say what the astronaut selection requirements will look like when you'd be looking to enter the workforce - but I'd still recommend working hard to get the best grades you can, and focusing on the core STEM subjects as the most important, but also don't forget the "soft skills".
Seriously though, something they will be looking for is diligence; mistakes in space can be very expensive or even impossible to go back and fix later, and even as little as a letter out of place could cause massive issues, particularly if it's in computer code or something like matching a serial number - so you'll want to get into the habit of checking your work before you submit to make sure it's as close to right-first-time as possible.
As the other answers have suggested, historically a lot of astronauts have needed degree, Masters, or even doctoral qualifications in a STEM discipline, and also military flying experience and even test-pilot experience has provided a significant advantage. Some of that is still the case, and following an advanced STEM education is very likely going to be an advantage still.
However, they are now trying to look for a broader range of people, skills and backgrounds. STEM is becoming STEAM as people recognise the importance of creative thinking encouraged in the Arts, and beyond that many space agencies are looking to build a more diverse workforce - I remember seeing something from ESA in the last few years that they were encouraging even people with physical disabilities to apply. Given changes like these at the moment, it's hard to say what the astronaut selection requirements will look like when you'd be looking to enter the workforce - but I'd still recommend working hard to get the best grades you can, and focusing on the core STEM subjects as the most important, but also don't forget the "soft skills".