NASA, with its diverse workforce of around 18,000 individuals, has a unique allure, with the role of an astronaut standing out as one that captures public imagination. To apply for the astronaut program, a candidate needs a master's degree in a STEM discipline, a minimum of two years of professional experience, or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft. The application process includes a two-hour online assessment, emphasizing STEM knowledge.
Beyond academic and professional qualifications, NASA looks for candidates who are adaptable, resilient, and possess strong team skills. The evaluation process considers not only work history but also personal attributes and life experiences. The ability to make split-second decisions under pressure, demonstrated, for example, by a background in race car driving, can make a candidate stand out.
With approximately 12,000 applicants for a handful of spots (10 astronauts in the last selection), the selection process is thorough and demanding. NASA seeks a team that not only excels individually but also complements the class being created. The final decision involves input from various experts across NASA, aiming to assemble a well-rounded team for the specific moment.
Becoming an astronaut requires extensive training, transforming individuals into leaders, public speakers, NASA experts, and survivalists. Training includes basic, advanced, and flight-specific sessions, covering a range of skills from robotics and extravehicular activities (EVAs) to piloting jets. The minimum of nine EVA training sessions ensures astronauts are prepared for the physical, mental, and technical challenges of spacewalks.
Astronauts embark on a lifelong journey of learning and training, staying updated on new vehicles, technologies, experiments, and research. The focus on high-risk situations ensures that skills remain sharp, with ongoing training even when on the International Space Station (ISS). The Artemis Program, NASA's initiative for a lunar return, adds new dimensions to training, emphasizing changes and advancements.
NASA actively encourages a diverse group of individuals to apply, recognizing that different ideas and experiences enhance mission possibilities. The agency emphasizes the international collaboration necessary for the future of human space exploration, with doors open for individuals globally who share the passion and drive to become astronauts.