How to Become a Civilian Astronaut
You do not need to be a member of the United State military to become an astronaut. Though the first astronauts were mostly test pilots from the U.S. military, citizens from the private sector now work side-by-side with military members as astronauts. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) hires civilian astronauts based on educational background, physical ability and professional experience to fly into space and perform experiments to further the program.
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Instructions
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Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a technical field and continue your education upon graduation. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recommends graduate degrees for all civilian astronaut candidates. Appropriate technical fields include aerospace studies, engineering, biology, physics and math.
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Work in a professional industry related to your college degree for at least three years before applying as a civilian astronaut. Show evidence that you worked in a professional environment that led to increased responsibilities and autonomy during your tenure. NASA will not accept your application without this experience. An exception to this rule applies to teachers that work with any grade from kindergarten to college. NASA "encourages teachers to apply" to its civilian astronaut program.
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Undergo a thorough medical physical examination. As of 2011, NASA only accepts civilian astronaut candidates with vision that is correctible to 20/20 for both nearsighted and farsighted eyes. Your blood pressure cannot exceed 140/90 and your height must fall between 65 to 75 inches to fit in spacecraft. If you have had laser eye surgery in the last year, you are ineligible to apply.
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Verify your citizenship status. You cannot be a civilian astronaut if you are not a citizen of the United States.
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Fill out a civilian astronaut application through USA Jobs (usajobs.gov). The application requires your personal contact information, social security number, previous job experience, educational background, criminal history and reasons for wanting to be an astronaut. The United States government will review your application and perform a background check. If your application is approved, NASA will schedule an interview. NASA interviews are similar to other job interviews; human resources will ask questions to judge your abilities and character.
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Pass the NASA fitness test to become a civilian astronaut. As of 2011, candidates must continuously swim across three lengths of a 25-meter pool, first with a bathing suit, then wearing a jumpsuit and shoes. There is not a time limit for this portion of the test. After the 25-meter swim, candidates must tread water for 10 minutes without stopping.
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Train with NASA for the required two years after you are accepted as a civilian astronaut. NASA uses the two years to educate and physically train astronauts for the rigors of space. NASA expects all astronauts to be with the organization for at least five years.
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Tips & Warnings
Flying into space is an extremely selective job in the United States. It could take years before you are assigned to a spacecraft.
References
Resources
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