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NASA? astronaut requirements

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If you have wondered what it takes to be an astronaut in NASA here’s some information for you. Becoming an astronaut is every child’s dream. But only a few go on and achieve it. Most astronauts confess that they never really thought they’d go to space. Or in other words, they never thought they’d become astronauts. Most of them were opened up to this possibility while working in similar professions.

As astronaut is somehow who is brilliant, sophisticated, and with superior adaptive skills. As astronaut has the innate ability to understand technology and technicalities. Astronauts need to be extremely competent in all the sciences.

An astronaut pilot needs to have a bachelor’s in engineering degree from a recognized university. It need not just be engineering. It could be biology, physics, or mathematics. Advanced degrees are seen as something that is worth considering. Typically, astronauts would have had doctoral degrees in their areas of specialization.Astronauts would need to have flying experience of at least one thousand hours in a jet aircraft. Pilots who test flight aircraft are preferred more. Test pilots know much better than pilots for some reason.

Pilots are required to pass NASA’s physical test. This is similar to the standards adopted in civil and military aviation pilot examinations. Pilots are checked for their visual capacity. Incorrect vision is a parameter for permanent disqualification. They also need to have optimum blood pressure at all times. Pilots how fail the blood pressure test are not selected. Also, pilots need to be within sixty two to seventy five inches tall.

Filed Under: Research, Space Tagged With: Astronaut, NASA, Space

Careers at NASA

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Many young children dream of being an astronaut. For a select few, those dreams come true. Working for NASA is something that many different people can achieve, in many other ways than being an astronaut! If you are a student who excels in a particular field, then there may be a career waiting for you at NASA.

Professional, Engineering and Scientific

When people think of NASA, they think of astronauts and other types of scientists. They are not wrong in this thinking, as these science based jobs make up 60% of the NASA workforce. These careers require a specialized degree from a university and can be in the following areas;

Accounting
Engineering in the following areas:

Aerospace
Computer
General

Biology
Computer Science
Meteorology

Management

Management makes up approximately 24% of NASA’s workforce. Most of these jobs also require a college education, however they do not require a specialized degree like the scientific jobs require. The following positions are available:

Administrator
Budget Analyst
Information Technology Specialist
Public Affairs Specialist

Administration

Administrations jobs make up about 7% of the NASA workforce and include office jobs such as:

Clerk-Typist
Management Assistant
Office Automation Clerk
Procurement Clerk
Secretary

As well as the above, NASA runs internships and offers employment for students. These positions are entry level and trainee based and are an excellent way for a student to gauge whether NASA is they place for them to work. Students enrolled in both high school and college are able to apply for temporary, summer and internships opportunities available throughout eh year at NASA.

Careers at NASA are varied, so there’s bound to be something for you.

Filed Under: General, Research Tagged With: Astronaut, Engineering, NASA

The Year 2012

The world as we know it is proclaimed to come to an end on December 21^st, 2012, if one is to believe the Mayan calendar.This already growing hysteria is not helped much by the media exploiting on it to make money – judging by the countless movies and blogs on it out there. But what do scientists have to say about this? NASA has released an official statement informing the world that scientifically speaking, the world is not going to come to an end in 2012.

You can read the official statement here.

Nonetheless, people have begun to explore scientific possibilities of disasters that could bring our world to a pre-mature end. Here are some myths busted by NASA scientists:

- Planetary alignment in December 2012 can harm the Earth: NASA has not found any planetary alignments in the next few decades, and even if there were, they would not affect Earth in a harmful way.

- A brown dwarf called Niburu is approaching Earth and threatening destruction: This is simply a creation of the media. If such a brown dwarf existed and was about to approach the Earth in December 2012, it would be visible to the naked eye by now.

- The polar shift theory will send the Earth’s poles and magnetic fields to destruction: It is impossible to reverse the rotation of the Earth on its axis. It is true that continents are slowly drifting, but they cannot reverse the roles of the poles.

- A meteor will hit the Earth in 2012: There are no asteroids, comets, or meteors found in the NASA Spaceguard Survey to hit in 2012.

More myths are busted here.

Filed Under: Research, Space Tagged With: Brown dwarf, Earth, NASA

What Information Is Needed When Creating Note Cards for Research

One of the most common ways to take research notes for educational papers or term papers is to use a note card system. However, in order to make the note card system work it must contain all the information that the researcher needs to create an informative paper. The key to getting the information that a researcher needs is to take proper notes on the note cards. Here is a look at the information that any researcher should take down on note cards in order to create helpful note cards.

Source Information. It is important to make sure that you write down all the source information. This should include the title of the book, author of the book, page number where the information is found and year of publication. If it is a website you should write down the direct URL. If it is an article in an academic journal make sure you write down the title of the journal and the title of the article. This information will come in handy should you need to reference it when writing the paper.

The Information. The amount of information that you write is solely dependent upon your style of researching. Some people find that they need to write out all the information word for word, while others just need to take short hand notes for their research. Make sure that you write a bit about the information so it is available when you go to write the paper. Make sure that you only include one idea or thought on a note card as it can get confusing if more than one piece of information appears on a card.

Number the Cards. Numbering the cards is important so that you know how much information you are gathering and what order you are gathering it in. A small number at the top of a note card will make a world of difference when you are researching.

Filed Under: Education, Research Tagged With: Information, Research, Term paper

The Best and Brightest Minds in Space Exploration

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Most people recognize that a career in engineering can be an excellent choice; however, many do not consider a career in space engineering. Those that have excellent math and science skills may truly enjoy inventing new and improved innovations for NASA or other space related companies.

There is a need for talented engineers and technicians to perform research on many topics. For instance, energy is one topic that requires much research and study. Exploration of life outside of this galaxy could result in innovations that are truly magnificent. It can result in new ways of fueling our vehicles and other machines on earth.

In fact, our government recognizes the importance of a good education in math and science; therefore, there is more of an emphasis to upgrade the knowledge and skills of teachers. Schools are looking for teachers that are willing to increase their skill set in math and science. There are incentives offered for those who decide to specialize in this area of education.

There are many different opportunities open in the space industry. Many different careers in this industry are necessary to carry on the mission of the space program. Many do not realize that accounting is a big part of the overall operation of the space program. Mechanical engineering and aviation are also big parts of the program.

It takes many great minds working together to accomplish the amazing feats involved in space exploration. It is truly a team effort that can be extremely rewarding. This challenging career is not for everyone, but those who dream of venturing beyond this world can make this happen. Everyone does not desire to actually go into space, but they want to make it possible for others to venture into other galaxies.

Filed Under: Research, Space Tagged With: NASA, Space exploration, Technology

The Future of Space Careers

Competition is fierce around the world regarding developing new technology. Those nations that excel in science and innovation will lead the way of the future. Much space research results in new technology that helps those on earth. For example, space exploration can result in new energy sources.

We all want to know if there is other life outside of earth. Those that are the cream of the crop in math and science will have opportunities to explore space careers. NASA is the federal government agency that is responsible for the United States space program. In recent years, new missions have been sent to continue work on the international space station. This project involves many nations around the world.

NASA employs many types of professionals. Those who enjoy research can help develop new technology for space. There will also be a huge need for research in new energy sources.

Our education system is recognizing the need to step up the difficulty level in math and science. The U.S. must focus on math and science in the coming years to compete in the global market. Careers in space exploration are challenging, but those who enjoy exploring the universe will thrive in this field.

The best and brightest students can compete for internships with NASA. Each year NASA has interns that learn about how the space program works. An internship is a very valuable experience. The student learns if they truly will enjoy working in the space industry. Those that choose to compete for astronaut positions are the most elite.

There is definitely risks involved in space exploration, but many successful missions have taken place since the space program began. Many advancements in society are due to research done in space.

Filed Under: Research, Space Tagged With: International Space Station, NASA, Space exploration

A Career in Space Exploration

A career in space research is an exciting opportunity for those who love science and space exploration. Working for NASA is truly a job that can take you out of this world into new frontiers. Space has already brought many new improvements to those on earth. Understanding if there is other life outside of our galaxy is an important concern for the whole world.

All of us have a specific talent and area of gifting, and those who enjoy research can possibly provide new solutions to energy concerns around the world. Getting an education in science with a focus on space careers can open many exciting doors of opportunity.

Exploring other galaxies does come with risks, but the challenge is welcomed by many brave people. They enjoy the thrill of exploring the unknown. They enjoy tapping into technology that can advance our world in ways that some of us have never thought possible. The sky is truly not the limit when it comes to using your interest in space to be a part of NASA or some other organization that deals with space exploration.

Careers in these fields require a very strong foundation of math, science, and research. The field is highly competitive, so students have to be vigilant about excelling in all areas of education. Only the best and brightest minds get a chance to work with NASA. Our nation is in dire need of new energy sources, and exploring space may be the answer to some of our concerns about energy and global warming.

It is a good idea to talk to someone that has a career in space exploration. They will be able to share important information that can help a person in their journey toward a career in science. Visiting NASA is a good idea also. In addition, NASA offers internship opportunities that provide valuable experience and contacts for the future.

Filed Under: Research, Space Tagged With: NASA, Space exploration, SpaceX

Future NASA Missions

Discovering the planets and their composition has been a key component to NASA’s recent missions. In fact, NASA is launching several new missions in 2011. Here they are:

1. Juno is a spacecraft that will be launching in August of 2011. It is going to Jupiter to uncover many of the planet’s mysteries. Juno will take five years to reach Jupiter, and then plans to complete its mission in one year. It will orbit the planet thirty-two times and collect information about its magnetic fields, water content, and cloud motions. This data will reveal Jupiter’s chemical makeup and temperature. Jupiter also has the Northern and Southern lights that need exploring, and Juno will explore the magnetosphere near these areas. This will determine the planet’s magnetic fields and their influence on the environment.
2. A new Mars Rover, named Curiosity, is scheduled to launch late this year. It will not land on Mars until August of 2012, but scientists are trusting that it will submit key findings back to Earth. It has its own science lab on board, which will analyze molecular and elemental components relating to life on Mars. In addition to this, it will monitor environmental changes on Mars.
3. Glory is a spacecraft that will launch after February 2011. It plans to study how the sun and particles in the air affect planet Earth. The device will have an Aerosol Polarimetery Sensor and a Total Irradiance Monitor, which will unlock mysteries about the Earth’s temperatures and environmental changes. Glory will assist scientists in predicting global warming and provide information about the atmosphere in general.

Filed Under: Research Tagged With: Jupiter, Mars, NASA

Mars Exploration–Rover Mission

The Mars exploration device, called Rover, has photographed many landscapes and changes in the atmosphere on the planet. Specifically, Rover has transmitted information back to Earth about the Santa Maria crater, which is 295 feet wide. The crater has diverse textures and pictures show that the crater is roughly the size of a football field.

The exploration Rover, named Opportunity, will be studying rocks at the Santa Maria crater for the next two months. It has spent over seven years on the planet and continues to send images and information to Earth on a regular basis. The mission originally planned to last only three months, but when Opportunity did so well and continued to function flawlessly, the mission became endless.

The Rover has made important discoveries about Mars’ wet environments which may have supported life at one time. Opportunity has a twin Rover, named Spirit, that is also currently on the planet, and this vehicle has also taken extraordinary photographs and information. Currently, Spirit is stuck on Mars without the capability to transmit information. Because it is spring and the vehicle runs on solar power, scientists are attempting to communicate with Spirit while the sun’s rays are highest on the planet. NASA fears that if the vehicle does not have enough power to communicate during this season, it certainly will not in winter. Certain motors in the Rover stopped working and made it unable to obtain solar power during critical periods.

Because the sun can temporarily disrupt signals sent from Earth to the Rovers, NASA plans to refrain from any attempts to contact the vehicles between January 27 and February 11. Afterward, information will be processed again.

Filed Under: Research, Space Tagged With: Earth, Mars, Mars rover

Astronaut Requirements

Requirements for becoming an astronaut are numerous. Having what it takes can be difficult; astronauts need certain personal life skills, in-the-classroom training, and personality traits. Not everyone is designed for this profession, but here are a few requirements to keep in mind:

• American astronauts must be United States citizens. Natural born citizens as well as those who have acquired citizenship are eligible.
• Astronauts must complete rigorous mathematics and science courses. They also must excel in these and possess outstanding grades. A solid understanding of science and math, as well as a post-graduate degree in one of these areas, is almost always required. NASA provides colleges with information regarding their expectations on a regular basis.
• Today, many astronauts are required to not only fly spacecraft, but to explore and understand the land they fly to. They should have a strong background in science. In most cases, astronauts are actually astronomers and engineers. They are able to take the knowledge they have learned and apply it in space.
• Most NASA associates work in research environments after graduate school. Computer programming and similar professions actually do not fly into space anymore. Those jobs are all done from earth, so students should keep that in mind when pursuing their degree.
• Graduates will interview with an Astronaut Selection Board. These individuals decide who might be a good fit within their team. Selections are based on motivation, communication skills, adaptability, and potential experience. People with high scores in all of these areas may be considered for positions with NASA.