With all this space talk I decided to look up the steps to becoming an astronaut and no big surprise, it’s very hard!
1. Get the right education
You need a strong STEM background.
Most agencies (like NASA and the Canadian Space Agency) require:
- A master’s degree in a STEM field
(engineering, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics) - OR a medical degree (MD/DMD)
- OR completion of a recognized test pilot school
A bachelor’s degree alone isn’t enough.
2. Build professional experience
Typical requirements:
- 2–3+ years of relevant professional experience after your degree
(engineering work, research, medicine, military service, etc.) - OR 1,000+ hours as a pilot‑in‑command in high‑performance jet aircraft (for pilot astronauts)
3. Be in excellent physical health
Common requirements include:
- Vision correctable to 20/20
- Blood pressure ≤ 140/90
- Excellent cardiovascular health
- Normal hearing
- Height and weight within spacecraft limits
4. Citizenship matters
- NASA: You must be a U.S. citizen
- Canadian Space Agency (CSA): You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (citizens preferred)
5. Apply when recruitment opens
Astronaut selection is rare.
- NASA selects new astronauts roughly every few years
- Tens of thousands apply, only a a few are chosen
6. Complete years of training
If selected, you still might not ever go to space
Training includes:
- Spacecraft systems
- Robotics
- Survival training (land & water)
- Spacewalk training (underwater)
- Russian language (for ISS missions)
- Team, leadership, and communications skills
I would not ever be able to be an astronaut and would not want to! Those who are, have literally been working on it for life.
Here’s what I’d be like on a space ship.
