February 22, 2012

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NASA? astronaut requirements

Mission: STS-41-B Film Type: 70mm Title: Views...

Image via Wikipedia

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: , ,

The Year 2012

The world as we know it is proclaimed to come to an end on December 21st, 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: , ,

The Best and Brightest Minds in Space Exploration

The NASA insignia.

Image via Wikipedia

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Research Finds New Kind of Star

Magnetars – Incredibly Magnetic Stars

The discovery of magnetars, which are cold, incredibly dense stars that emit massive magnetic forces, has brought to light this previously unkown type of star. It was previously theorized that when mega stars (stars with at least 40 times the mass of our sun) collapse and explode in a supernova, that they then fall into themselves and form black holes. However, scientists have discovered that the magnetars are formed this way, which is bringing to question the previous theory about black hole formation.

Black Holes and the Universe

Black holes are invisible, and though there’s no doubt they exist, there’s never been a photograph taken of them. A black hole is a point in space of such incredibly density that nothing can escape it, not even light, which is why it can never be seen by the human eye. However, since they have gravity, black holes affect their neighbors in space; stars often orbit black holes. Black holes are estimated to form much of the gravitational fields in the universe, and they are in fact keys to understanding how our universe exists. If theories about their formation are called into question by magnetars, scientists have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how they come into being.

Magnetars and Neutron Stars

The difference between a magnetar and a neutron star is subtle, but profound. Previously called a type of neutron star, a magnetar is different. A neutron star is the result of a star going supernova, then collapsing on itself – but not forming a black hole. A neutron start continues to burn as a small, cold, incredibly dense star. A magnetar emits almost no light, but pulses with an incredibly strong magnetic field, as well as being a major emitter of electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays and x-rays. Magnetars are theorized to be the source of radio waves known as soft gamma repeaters. They are mysterious stars, and studying them will yield much more information about the nature of our universe.

Filed Under: Education, Research, Space Tagged With: , , ,

Study Says Astronauts Need Harder Workouts

Astronaut U.S. Senator John Glenn
Image by NASA on The Commons via Flickr

Hard Workouts in Space

A research paper published recently says that it’s harder than ever to get a good workout in Outer Space. Taken from data gathered by astronauts spending time on the International Space Station, the paper shows that not only do muscles weaken and atrophy in microgravity environments, but their strength when measured by mass and size goes down, too. The research is expected to provide better information on how to keep astronauts fit during a space flight, as well as how to measure their physical recovery between flights.

The Orbiting Space Gym

Astronauts have now been doing cardiovascular workouts in space for 30 years; the first piece of exercise equipment in orbit was an exercise bike on the American space station ‘Skylab.’ But the recent paper shows the increased need for resistance training – weight lifting – in space. This poses a peculiar problem, since everything in orbit is essentially weightless. However, NASA has developed a device called the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device, or ARED. The ARED is kind of like those multi-purpose resistance machines advertised on television, except it can only be purchased in easy three easy installments of one million dollars. The device can be configured to provide resistance exercises for upper and lower body workouts. The research paper shows that the ARED needs to get a lot more use if astronauts want to stay healthy.

Effects of Microgravity

Though people think space is a zero-gravity environment, it’s actually one of microgravity. However, the distinction is lost on the human body, which is designed to operate under the constant resistance of Earth’s gravity. Things as easy as getting up from the sofa and grabbing a beverage are tiny workouts throughout the day. These get missed by astronauts, who literally only have to lift a finger to get themselves out of bed on the space station. The good news of the paper is that if astronauts spend two or more hours per day working out with resistance training, the effects of microgravity life are greatly reduced, even though this may make astronauts feel like they’re living on an orbiting gym.

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Filed Under: Medical, Research, Space Tagged With: , , ,

Searching for a New Earth

Finding a New Home for the Human Race

Only ten years ago, there were less than a dozen planets located outside the Solar System, home to our planet Earth. Today that number has exploded into over three hundred identified extra-Solar planets, and astronomers find more and more worlds at an increasing rate every year. Researchers are finding better ways to explore the heavens, and the results are fascinating. We’re finding planets that are so weird and exotic that scientists never even imagined they existed. Nature is proving that truth is not only stranger than fiction, its stranger even then research. But the holy grail of extra-Solar planet searching will be a planet than can sustain human life on the surface. In other words, a new Earth.

The Odds of Finding Another Earth

The odds of finding a planet similar to Earth are extremely small. However, astronomers note that our galaxy, the Milky Way, is extremely large. It’s estimated that our galaxy alone has over a trillion stars. While it was previously believed that most planets do not have stars, this estimate is being revised, and it’s now believed that around one in a hundred stars have planets, though this number is far from being settled. But, since stars that have planets have multiple planets, and many more moons around those planets, the number of planets in our galaxy is now roughly estimated to be well over a hundred million. The more planets we have, the more likely one of them will be like Earth.

Searching for a Single Grain of Sand on a Beach

Searching for an earthlike planet in our galaxy can be equated to searching for a particular grain of sand on a beach. Earth is a small planet in our own solar system. For example, a hundred Earths could fit just into the giant red storm on Jupiter. A million Earths could fit inside the Sun. Given this, it’s difficult to exaggerate the enormous size of the galaxy, and the difficulty in finding something as small as our planet, along with identifying its atmosphere, gravity, and temperature.

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