How to Learn About Astronauts

Study about those who have walked on the moon.

Although only an incredibly small percentage of the population ever gets to don the bright orange suits and fishbowl helmets of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, astronauts continue to thrill millions of people on the ground each time they blast off into space. Soar into orbit by learning about the astronaut profession and all work that goes into it. Astronauts may only catch public notice at the time of liftoff, but preparation for the career takes years.

Instructions

1. Launch the NASA's web page on astronauts, which offers clickable links to biographies of past and present astronauts, personal journals, profiles of astronauts off duty, trivia and details on astronaut training.

2. Click the "Astronaut Biographies" link to open an alphabetical listing of more than 40 astronauts. Click an astronaut's hyperlinked name to get a picture of the astronaut in flight suit, birth and family information, education, honors and experience.

3. Click the "Astronaut Selection and Training" link to gain information on how astronauts qualify for their space travel experience, including application procedures, training, frequently asked questions, requirements on citizenry and academic preparation.

4. Review videos of astronauts in space, preparing for space through simulation training and speaking about their experiences. Free videos are available on the NASA site and other websites by entering "astronaut videos" into a search engine.

5. See what astronauts go through by challenging yourself to a simulation experience. Rides such as the two-seat Astronaut Simulator Ride gyroscope, which spins riders head over heels for one minute of space-like experience, are often part of carnivals, festivals, state fairs, science museums and fund-raisers.

6. Read about astronauts from the beginner's level with a book such as "Space Exploration for Dummies," "Astronaut Handbook" or "I Want to Be an Astronaut."

References

• NASA: Astronauts
• NASA: Biographical Data

Resources

• Game Craze: Astronaut Simulator Ride