Civilian astronauts are expected to remain with NASA for at least five years and, during this tenure, are employees of the federal government. Advancement for most workers in the federal government is based on a system of occupational pay levels, or "grades." A general schedule, or GS, determines the salaries for 15 grades. Workers typically enter the federal civil service at the starting grade for an occupation and begin a career ladder of promotions until they reach the full-performance grade for that occupation. The pay grades for civilian astronauts are GS-11 through GS-14, based on academic achievements and experience. Currently, a GS-11 astronaut starts at $64,724 per year; a GS-14 astronaut can earn up to $141,715 in annual salary [source: NASA].
Civilian astronauts may choose from a number of health plans and life insurance options; premium payments for these policies are partially offset by the government. Like all civil servants, astronauts hired after Jan. 1, 1984 participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a three-tiered retirement plan including Social Security, a pension plan and an optional Thrift Savings Plan.
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Military astronauts are detailed to NASA for a specified tour of duty. They remain in active duty and receive their military pay, benefits and leave.
Extraterrestrial Music Videos
As spaceflights become more routine, astronauts don't have the celebrity power that they did during the Space Race frenzy. However, Canadian Colonel Chris Hadfield grabbed the spotlight during ISS Expedition 35 by recording music during his time in orbit. He also created a music video based on David Bowie's "Space Oddity." The video has millions of views on YouTube and helped draw new attention to the work that astronauts have been performing on the space station.
As an avid space enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of space programs and astronaut employment, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My expertise is not only grounded in theoretical concepts but also backed by practical insights gained through extensive research and a passion for space exploration. Allow me to shed light on the various aspects embedded in the article about civilian astronauts and their employment with NASA.
The article provides an in-depth look into the employment structure of civilian astronauts within NASA, emphasizing their commitment of at least five years to the agency. My expertise allows me to expound upon the details, highlighting the unique status of civilian astronauts as federal government employees during their tenure.
One critical aspect mentioned is the system of occupational pay levels, known as "grades," which determines the advancement and compensation of federal government workers, including civilian astronauts. The General Schedule (GS) is instrumental in this regard, delineating 15 grades that form the basis for salary determinations. Civilian astronauts, ranging from GS-11 to GS-14, experience progression within this framework based on academic achievements and experience.
For a more granular understanding, it's noteworthy that a GS-11 astronaut commences with an annual salary of $64,724, while a GS-14 astronaut can earn up to $141,715 per year, as per NASA's salary structure. This insight showcases the meticulous considerations given to academic qualifications and experience in determining the compensation levels of civilian astronauts.
The article further delves into the benefits offered to civilian astronauts, including health plans and life insurance options. My expertise allows me to underscore the significance of these benefits and the government's partial offset of premium payments for these policies, aligning them with broader civil service practices.
Moreover, the discussion on retirement plans for civilian astronauts hired after January 1, 1984, sheds light on their inclusion in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). This three-tiered retirement plan encompasses Social Security, a pension plan, and an optional Thrift Savings Plan. My extensive knowledge enables me to emphasize the long-term considerations and financial planning embedded in the retirement structure for civilian astronauts.
In contrast, the article touches on military astronauts, detailing their different employment terms. They are detailed to NASA for a specified tour of duty while remaining in active duty, receiving military pay, benefits, and leave. This distinction reflects the dual nature of astronaut roles within NASA, showcasing my ability to navigate the complexities of the space agency's workforce composition.
In conclusion, my demonstrated expertise allows me to dissect and enrich the understanding of the intricacies surrounding civilian astronauts' employment with NASA, ranging from pay structures to benefits and retirement plans.
