How to become an astronaut

Becoming an astronaut is far from an easy or direct career path. There is no dedicated school or standard university program that automatically prepares someone to become an astronaut. So, what does it take to enter this profession, and which qualifications, abilities, and personal qualities are important?

Space agencies aim to select the strongest candidates available. Preparing an astronaut requires a major investment because training takes many years, costs a great deal, and requires extensive support before, during, and after a space mission.

A space mission can take years to plan, with hundreds of specialists involved in preparing both the crew and spacecraft. Although astronauts play a central role in mission success, opportunities to actually fly into space are limited. Agencies therefore need to select people who can make the greatest possible contribution during their valuable time in orbit.

What Qualities Do You Need?

Astronauts must be capable of using their knowledge and abilities effectively to complete the tasks they have been trained to perform. They must also be able to handle significant responsibilities while in space and remain strongly committed to achieving their objectives. These characteristics distinguish astronauts from most other professionals.

A strong educational background in science or technology is essential. Candidates should also have an excellent professional record in areas such as research, technical applications, education, or related fields, potentially including experience with computer systems and software. Experience involving aircraft operations is an advantage, especially for people who have worked in demanding positions such as test pilots or flight engineers. Generally, a broader combination of skills and professional experience gives applicants greater flexibility when carrying out different mission responsibilities.

Excellent physical health is equally important. Astronauts undergo demanding training programs and may take part in missions lasting several months. Their bodies experience considerable physical strain during this period, making good health, fitness, and endurance essential requirements.

Living and working with the same group of people in a restricted environment for an extended period can also be challenging. Astronaut candidates therefore need strong interpersonal skills, a cooperative attitude, and the ability to function effectively as part of a team. Adaptability is particularly important because crew members must respond well to changing circumstances. They also need emotional control and a calm, stable temperament so they can manage pressure and respond appropriately during emergencies.

From an operational perspective, astronauts benefit greatly from being able to react quickly when circumstances change. Sound judgement and the ability to make mature decisions are important for completing mission tasks and maintaining efficient routines and procedures while in orbit.

Astronauts must also be prepared to travel extensively and spend significant amounts of time away from their homes. Training may take place in several different countries, while actual missions can require astronauts to remain away from Earth for long periods.

Public Relations

Astronauts frequently receive considerable attention from both the public and the media. People are naturally interested in their experiences, daily lives, and missions. As a result, astronauts need to feel comfortable interacting with journalists and members of the public and should be capable of explaining why their work in space is important.

Strong English-language skills are required. Knowledge of Russian is also beneficial because it can make training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia easier. Familiarity with American, Russian, and Japanese cultures can likewise be useful, helping astronauts establish effective relationships with international partners working together on the Space Station.

Recruitment

Anyone who possesses the necessary qualifications and personal characteristics, and who is willing to remain committed despite years of demanding preparation, training, and waiting for a flight opportunity, may be able to pursue a career as an astronaut.

For the European Space Agency, astronaut applicants can only be selected from ESA Member States and Associated Member States.

The selection campaign described here took place from May 2008 through May 2009. A total of 8,413 applicants met the requirements to enter the selection process, which was conducted under the direction of ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.

On May 20, 2009, six newly selected ESA astronauts were officially introduced during a press conference at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. Their basic astronaut training began at the European Astronaut Centre on September 1, 2009.