How To Become an Astronaut

Instructions

1. To become a pilot, you need to be between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall and being a mission specialist requires being between 4 feet 10 1/2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall. Being at healthy physical condition and great energy is highly essential.

2. The next governing factor is maintaining outstanding academic record in the undergraduate and graduate studies. Most of the astronauts possess doctoral degrees.

3. In order to accomplish the dream of being an astronaut, it is important to choose a scientific field for your bachelor's degree including physics, medicine, chemistry, aerospace biology, engineering, mathematics etc.

4. You are also required to have at least 3 years experience in the field prior to applying. A 2-year graduate degree with 1 year of work experience is an acceptable substitution.

5. In order to become a mission pilot, you need to have at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft, if possible with flight-test experience.

6. While sending for an application package, you need to qualify the strict NASA physical test.

7. Once accepted as an astronaut candidate, you should commit yourself to a training period of 1 to 2 years in Houston without being able to go into space. This intense training often involves low-gravity conditions including land and sea survival training and scuba diving.

8. Once you pass the training period and is accepted as an astronaut, you should be prepared to remain with NASA for at least 5 years.

Becoming an astronaut is not as simple as it, but demands a high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, together with brilliant professional background in research, application or education fields that too supported with the expert operation of computer systems and applications. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a plus point. Addtional skills and experience for an applicant increases the ability to undertake difficult tasks. Having healthy physical condition is also important. Practicing work outs can help in strengthening your body that is highly important for the job.