February 22, 2012

NASA? astronaut requirements

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

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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.

 

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:
  1. Aerospace
  2. Computer
  3. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.