How to Be an Astronaut

Who hasn't fantasized about blasting off into space? Many people have been (and continue to be) willing to risk their lives to make this dream happen. Read on to see if you've got the right stuff.

Instructions

1. Be or become a U.S. citizen.

2. Excel in academics. An advanced math and science education is absolutely essential. Plan on getting at least a postgraduate degree in one of these fields. Consult with your academic adviser for information about the best course of study. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provides universities with information about recommended subjects.

3. Review the necessary skills. In the old days, the space program wanted pilots. The major challenge then was simply getting the craft into space and back to Earth. Now the goal is scientific research and exploration. Today's most sought-after candidates have the skills to advance the understanding of the universe, and they are usually physicists, aerospace engineers and astronomers.

4. Work in a research environment after graduate school. NASA is looking for people with successful work experience, but also wants individuals who develop and pursue their own research projects. (Being a computer programmer will not get you a seat in the rocket--this is all done from the ground nowadays.)

5. Review the application procedure. (Go to the NASA Web site for information, see Resources.) Expect the process to take up to 2 years. Submit an application at any time, but understand that the review process is lengthy and NASA only makes job offers every other year.

6. Interview with the Astronaut Selection Board (ASB). The ASB interviews each candidate and assigns him or her a rating based on experience and potential, motivation, ability to function as a member of a team, communication skills and adaptability. Some applicants do not possess the required interpersonal skills and are rejected solely on that basis.

7. Decide which role you would like to play as member of the crew. Pilot astronauts serve as both space commanders and pilots. Mission specialist astronauts work with the commander and the pilot and have overall responsibility for coordinating operations in the following areas: systems, crew activity planning, consumables usage, and experiment and payload operations. Payload specialists are people other than NASA astronauts (including foreign nationals) who have specialized onboard duties. They may be added to shuttle crews if projects with unique requirements need more than the minimum crew of 5 to run.

8. Build your own spaceship, if all else fails. Check out the Ansari X Prize (see Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• Look into Space Camp programs for both children and adults at their Web site (see Resources).

• NASA has 130 to 140 active members of the Astronaut Corps. About half are federal civil servants. The remaining are armed services members detailed to NASA.