The process to become a astronaut It is characterized by requirement and competitiveness. To claim the profession, it is necessary, for example, to have higher education in areas such as engineering, physics, computing, mathematics, medicine or biological sciences. In addition, at least Two years of experience professional in the academic or technical area.
Having skills such as diving and survival techniques also count points, as well as military experience.
According to the US space agency, requirements for basic education and specialized experience must be included in the curriculum.
In the case of andrequired basic ducation, it is necessary to present a master’s degree in an appropriate technical area in (Acronym in English for Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
It is also possible to have completed at least two years (36 hours semester or 54 quarterly hours) in a accredited doctorate of the same areas above. In a third option, people with an accredited universities medical degree can also try the position.
The agency highlights that Qualified international education in STEM is allowed, provided that there is proof of equivalence of appropriate foreign education. UBachelor’s degree (or less) is not qualified by itself, but all school historicals related to STEM.
The following undergraduate fields, although related to engineering and sciences, no They are considered qualifiers for the position of astronaut, according to NASA:
- Degrees in Technology (such as Engineering Technology, Aviation Technology, Nedic Technology, etc.);
- Degrees in Psychology (except clinical psychology, pissing psychology or experimental psychology, which are qualifying);
- Degrees in nursing;
- Degrees in exercise physiology or related areas;
- Degree in Social Sciences (Geography, Anthropology, Archeology, etc.);
- Degrees in aviation, aviation management or similar areas.
What are the specialized experience requirements?
For NASA, all interested parties should meet the specialized subdisciplin experience requirements (including pilot disciplines, flight testing, doctors, biological and medical sciences, physical sciences and engineering and operations).
For each discipline, it is necessary to have at least three years (or 1,000 hours of pilot in command, with at least 850 hours at high -performance pilot jet aircraft) Progressive professional experience upon completion of the appropriate technical courses.
Pilot discipline:
- Have at least 1,000 hours of pilot time in command;
- Or at least 850 hours should be at high performance jet aircraft (the remaining hours can be accumulated at not -performance aircraft).
Flight Test Discipline:
- Have completed or enrolled in a test pilot school program (nationally or internationally recognized);
- Have at least three years of professional experience after completion of the course in area related to flight tests.
Where to start?
In Brazil, there is no autonomous space program for astronaut formation. The only way to achieve this goal is through selections made by international agencies, such as NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), Jaxa (Japan), Roscosmos (Russia), among others – usually restricted to citizens of participating countries.
Summary of the way to become an astronaut:
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Studies: undergraduate and master/doctorate in STEM or related areas;
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Experience: minimum two years; In addition to fluency in languages, experience in piloting, diving and survival;
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Health: rigorous physical demands and psychological stability;
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Training: Intensive, focused on microgravity, physical resistance and technical domain.
