• Question: I would like to be an astronaught when I'm older and o to the IST wil it still be there and what do I have to do to become a astronaught. I am very interested in going to space.

    Asked by whitejack to Andrew, Daniel, Hayley, Natalia, Peta on 15 Nov 2011.
    • Photo: Hayley Smith

      Hayley Smith answered on 14 Nov 2011:

      I always wanted to be an astronaut too! (Still kind of do!)

      I think in order to become an astronaut there are a few different criteria, mainly dependent on your nationality. There’s NASA astronauts (Americans) or the ESA deals with Europeans. A science background is important for most roles – although they also take into account social factors – would you be able to handle the extreme conditions for lengths of time?

      The International Space Station is seen as the hub in space and a massive achievement for all those countries involved. I think it’s supposed to be operational until the mid 2020’s, so there’s probably time yet!

      I think I heard on the radio this morning that the Russians launched a manned mission this morning on the Soyuz rockets, that’s pretty cool!

    • Photo: Daniel Scully

      Daniel Scully answered on 14 Nov 2011:

      The ESA had a big recruitment of astronauts a couple of years ago. I remember one of the requirements was a Science based PhD.

      In the end they chose 6 out of the ~8500 candidates, so it’s competitive to get in… but if that’s what you want to do, research what you need and go for it!

      http://www.esa.int/esaHS/astronauts.html

    • Photo: Andrew Cairns

      Andrew Cairns answered on 15 Nov 2011:

      As far as I know the IST will still be there for a few years yet! As the others have said becoming an astronaut is very competitive and requires some science background. In the old days, NASA astronauts were experimental fighter pilots and the job was very risky. This is still a requirement though – you need to be physically fit, technically competent and scientific.

    • Photo: Natalia Parzyk

      Natalia Parzyk answered on 15 Nov 2011:

      Looking at the sky full of stars and dreaming to be closer to them, I know that feeling:)
      It’s worth to have a look in ESA education section where they have different projects, most of them addressed to university students but sometimes they announce programs where school students may get involved so that’s probably good way to start. Good luck:)

Comments