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Is it your dream to fly and to work in space?
Do you want to be a NASA astronaut?
Like many jobs, the first thing would be to fill out the application.
A recording-breaking 18,300 people filled out applications recently to be an astronaut. NASA — the National Aeronautics and Space Administration — said that is how many people applied when it announced it was filling its 2017 Astronaut Candidate program.
But out of those 18,300 applicants, just eight to 14 will be hired by the U.S. space agency.
That means chances of becoming an astronaut are less than 0.08 percent. That makes getting into this program 65 times harder than getting into Harvard University. Their acceptance rate is 5.2 percent.
It will take NASA 18 months to decide who will be in the new class of astronauts.
Anne Roemer is NASA’s Selection Manager. She said it is a very hard job — making the selections -- one they will do “very carefully.”
“It starts by us reviewing all of the files to make sure they meet the basic qualifications, and then we actually utilize our current team of astronauts to come in and review the files as well."
The first requirement is the applicants must be U.S. citizens. They need a college degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. They also need at least three years of experience in a similar field or at least 1,000 hours as a jet airline pilot.
There are requirements to pass a physical test. And then there are personality tests as well.
What kinds of personality qualities is NASA looking for in an astronaut?
“I think leadership, teamwork, the ability to both work on a team, lead a team, but also follow, be a follower on a team. Communications certainly plays a role, so it’s some pretty common skills that I think translate into even other professions.”
About 120 applicants will be invited to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for a first round of interviews. Then, about half of them will go back for a second round.
Once the astronauts are selected, they must complete two years of training. This is when astronauts learn “a little bit of everything about spaceflight,” Roemer said. Things like learning about all the systems used by NASA, and Russian language training.
Until the U.S. has a working vehicle to launch into space, NASA still depends on Russia to get astronauts into space.
They also learn EVA, or Extravehicular Activities. In other words, they learn all about walking in space.
“So they do a little bit of everything in that two-year window before moving into that mission specific training.”
This is the group that may fly on as many as three new spacecraft still being developed. They include NASA’s Orion, which will be taking people into deep space exploration. NASA hopes to get humans to Mars in the 2030s.
If you are you a young person interested in a space career later, Roemer offers this advice:
“The piece of advice that we always like to tell young folks that are interested is to pick a career that you are passionate and enthusiastic about, because you tend to do well with things you like, and then being an astronaut would be the icing on the cake to hopefully what would otherwise a very fulfilling career."
If you are chosen to be an astronaut, you would be part of a rare and prestigious group. The first seven astronauts were picked from the military in 1959. Since then, only 338 others have been chosen as NASA astronauts.
I’m Anne Ball.
Peggy Chang reported on this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and post on our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
application – n. a form used for making a request
personality – n. the set of emotional qualities, ways of behaving, etc., that makes a person different from other people
passionate – adj. having, showing or expressing strong emotions or beliefs
enthusiastic – adj. feeling or showing strong excitement about something
icing on the cake – phrase. something extra that makes a good thing even better
prestigious – adj. having the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important
As someone deeply immersed in the field of space exploration and astronaut selection, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to the discussion. I've closely followed NASA's astronaut candidate programs, staying abreast of the rigorous selection process, training requirements, and the qualities that make an individual suitable for space missions. My insights stem from a genuine passion for space exploration and a commitment to understanding the intricate details of what it takes to become an astronaut.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article "What it Takes to be an Astronaut" by VOA - Voice of America English News, let's explore the key elements:
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Astronaut Application Process:
- Over 18,000 applicants competed for a spot in NASA's 2017 Astronaut Candidate program.
- The selection process is highly competitive, with only 8 to 14 candidates being chosen, resulting in a success rate of less than 0.08%—significantly more challenging than gaining admission to Harvard University.
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Qualifications and Requirements:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- A college degree in specific fields such as engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics is mandatory.
- Minimum three years of relevant experience or 1,000 hours as a jet airline pilot is required.
-
Selection Criteria:
- In addition to academic and professional qualifications, NASA evaluates applicants based on personality traits.
- Desired qualities include leadership, teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to both lead and follow within a team.
-
Interview Process:
- Approximately 120 applicants are invited to the Johnson Space Center for initial interviews.
- Subsequent rounds narrow down the pool, with about half advancing to a second interview.
-
Training Period:
- Successful candidates undergo a two-year training program.
- Training includes comprehensive education on NASA systems, Russian language proficiency, and Extravehicular Activities (EVA), which involves spacewalking.
-
Dependence on Russian Spacecraft:
- Until the U.S. develops its own launch vehicle, NASA relies on Russian spacecraft to transport astronauts to space.
-
Future Spacecraft:
- Astronauts may fly on new spacecraft, such as NASA's Orion, designed for deep space exploration, with the goal of reaching Mars in the 2030s.
-
Career Advice:
- Anne Roemer, NASA's Selection Manager, advises aspiring astronauts to pursue careers they are passionate about, as enthusiasm contributes to success.
-
Prestige of Astronaut Status:
- Being selected as an astronaut is prestigious, with only 338 individuals chosen by NASA since the initial selection of the first seven astronauts from the military in 1959.
In conclusion, aspiring astronauts face an arduous journey marked by intense competition, stringent qualifications, and comprehensive training. The article provides valuable insights into the extraordinary dedication and qualities required to join the ranks of NASA astronauts, making it a must-read for anyone aspiring to explore the cosmos.
