grytsje's Avatar
grytsje 4
1 Asked
1 Answered
0 Best
0
No one has voted on this question yet :(
3 years, 5 months ago

Who can get me a job as an astronaut at NASA? Serious and detailed replies please!

Tip for best answer: M$5.00
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

What is Your Answer?

0
0
0

9 Answers

2
mckoss's Avatar
mckoss | 3 years, 5 months ago
4
I've met several astronauts, and count one as a friend, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar. If you really want to become an astronaut, I would try to model your career on those that have come before. You can find a biography about Dr. Dunbar here:

http://www.ceramics.org/ASSETS/BFC8D9500AAC4EF19D1ADC5646236ABE/200001_dunbar.pdf

You'll note that she grew up in an environment that taught her the value of hard work, and she was a serious science/engineering student in college and graduate school.

That, and some luck in meeting the right people led to her career as a NASA astronaut with 5 space shuttle missions to her name.

I would caution that becoming an astronaut is about as likely as winning the lottery - there are a very limited number of positions available, with many times as many very qualified people competing for them.

With our Space Shuttle being retired in 2010, there will also be very few manned space missions in which you can participate. It would probably be EASIER to first earn a $25M fortune, and THEN purchase a civilian ticket aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft to visit the International Space Station.

Your best bet is to focus on a career in science or aviation (civilian or military) that would satisfy you - and at the same time look for opportunities using your skills to participate in NASA programs.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
2
offthedome's Avatar
offthedome | 3 years, 5 months ago
8
I strongly suspect that no one on mahalo.com can get you that position.

The qualifications on how to become an astronaut are below. The link on the bottom is broken, but there is good information on the site.

Hope this helps!!

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$
grytsje's Avatar
grytsje | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

I selected "no best answer" because none of you came up with "the right people" that can get me the job. Almost all of the information provided I can find by myself on the internet and certainly the information on the NASA site. Most of you mentioned only the commander and pilot job, while I was thinking of being a mission specialist or a payload specialist. Because, if I were a pilot or training to be one I wouldn't have to ask this question here. And then, I am not a USA citizen. But I do have an MA in psychology and more than 2 years experience so I should pass the criterium. Because NASA is looking for psychologists for the Mars mission. Besides, I studied MCP/MCSE and other computer courses and I also have an English Teacher's certificate.

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
1
pescina's Avatar
pescina | 3 years, 5 months ago
15
First of all, it's hard to answer this question without disappointing you a little. Nobody can get you a job as an astronaut at NASA. You have to be an USAF pilot first or a great scientist or an great engineer. Have you ever wondered how many people at NASA, who are trained as astronauts, never take off? There are also lots of physical requirements. You must be perfectly fit and pass all the tests. If you're not a teenager, have bad grades at school and don't plan to join the US Air Force, then the only thing left for being an "astronaut" is not at NASA, but at some other Space Agency. If you can spend a few million dollars, like Mark Shuttleworth, they'll accept your money in Russia, but you have to pass the physical examinations, just like any other regular astronaut candidate.

Also remember that being an astronaut is many people's dream, so there's a lot of competition at NASA.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$
pescina's Avatar
pescina | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

"There may be many different career paths to become an astronaut, but they all lead to the same place- the Astronaut Selection Office. About every two years this office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas announces that it is accepting applications for the Astronaut Candidate Program. Thousands of people complete the 13-page application, but most receive a polite no-thank-you note. If you are one of the 100 or so who make the first cut, you will get to travel to Houston for a week of interviews, physicals, and orientation. This is where the competition will really get tough."
http://www.linearpublishing.com/Articles-i-2000-11-01-12603008.111111-p11650.111215-sub_So_You_Want_to_be_an_Astronaut.html

"NASA accepts applications for pilot astronauts and mission specialist astronauts on a continuing basis. A selection board normally picks a group of about 15 to 25 candidates every two years. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen and must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, a biological science, a physical science, or mathematics. There is no age limit, but every candidate must pass the NASA space flight physical examination.

Pilot astronaut candidates must have flown for 1,000 hours as a command pilot in high-performance jet aircraft. They must be between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 4 inches (163 and 193 centimeters) tall. Candidates for mission specialist do not need flight experience, but they must have at least three years of related professional experience. They must be between 5 feet and 6 feet 4 inches (152 and 193 centimeters) tall."
http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/astronaut_worldbook.html

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
1
richardca's Avatar
richardca | 3 years, 5 months ago
4
You are the only person who can earn a job as an astronaut at NASA. You need to first be a jet rated pilot if you want to be in the command track, but while I can only quote a college classmate of mine who is an astronaut that the chances of being selected and not being a pilot of some sort is almost niI. Interestingly if you can pilot a craft able to go about 62 miles above the earth as a member of the US Military or commercial craft (Space Ship1) you would be awarded astronaut wings.Frankly considering the state of NASA these days you might want to consider the commercial route to space. NASA has the following information.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/outreach/jobsinfo/astronaut101.html More specific http://astronauts.nasa.gov/content/broch00.htm What they don't really tell you is that NASA trained a lot of people expecting to have at least four shuttles flying regularly with 5-7 crewmembers on each flight Then came the Challenger and Columbia crashes and the long flight stand downs. The last shuttle flights are set for 2010 and the Orion next gen man rated craft is a 3-5 seat Apollo rehash and the program itself is in some doubt. In short you have a lot of people already in line for a shrinking number of seats.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
0
mrhelmsc's Avatar
mrhelmsc | 3 years, 5 months ago
4

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
0
xds's Avatar
xds | 3 years, 5 months ago
15
If you are in good physical condition.

You could join the university of texas's medical schools 90 day sleep study. You won't go into space but you will get to wear all the uniforms and equipment they use :o)

Plus a nice fat salary.

I must warn you however the study is very intense.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
-2
hartwell's Avatar
hartwell | 3 years, 5 months ago
11
Go read any of the interesting autobiographies that former astronauts have written.

http://www.spacestory.com/intro.htm

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
-2
prescottp's Avatar
prescottp | 3 years, 5 months ago
0
As a Marine Corps Officer, I highly recommend joining the United States Marine Corps. Just as every Marine is a rifleman, every Marine Corps Officer is trained as a provisional rifle platoon commander. The brotherhood is extremely tight knit and we have a large majority of Marines who become Marine Aviators. Since we are considered a "Department of the Navy" our pilots attend flight school in Pensacola with other Naval Aviators. These pilots go on to become Blue Angels and, yes, astronauts. You have know the club to be part of it, so, I recommend that you strongly consider a career in the US Marine Corps, provided you have the ability to step back and look at the opportunity as a way to serve others before yourself.

We emphasize honor, courage and commitment in the Marine Corps, so allow me to explain how they will benefit you as an astronaut and provide an optimal path to getting a job as one at NASA.

HONOR - We are guardians of the standards of excellence for our society. We embody responsibility to duty about ourselves. We embrace traits like integrity, responsibility, honesty and tradition-- which encompasses customs and courtesies both within the Marine Corps and those we encounter in the execution of our duties around the world.

HOW HONOR RELATES - As an astronaut exploring the universe around Earth, you will be required to relate your observations back home as an ambassador of space. Your experiences must be relayed in a way that will transcend boundaries and inspire all citizens of the world with respect to their cultures as well.

COURAGE - We have the moral strength to resist opposition and face danger. We hold ourselves and others accountable to doing what is right in the face of it. This includes traits like self-discipline, patriotism (devotion to and defense of our nation), loyalty (reliability to do what is right in the execution of one's duty of service to the United States of America), and valor (boldness and determination in facing danger in battle; daily commitment to excellence and honesty in all actions).

HOW COURAGE RELATES - (You'll be stuck in space, so courage would be a given, right? Okay, well, seriously...) As an astronaut you might be forced to work with personnel from other nations in space. You'll need courage to represent our interests at home and abroad regardless of the unforeseen circumstances that may arise. The Marine Corps will prepare you in such a way that you will not hesitate to execute the mission in an environment where a small mistake can lead to certain death for either you or your crew.

COMMITMENT - The promise or pledge to complete a worthy goal by worthy means, which includes identification with that goal and demonstrated actions that support that goal. These actions include displays of competence (maintaining and improving your own skill levels to support the team), teamwork (individual actions that support mission accomplishment), selflessness (Marines take care of subordinates, their families, and their fellow Marines before themselves), concern for people (Everyone is of value regardless of their race, religion, nation of origin, or gender; On a battlefield, a Marine is the fiercest of warriors and most benevolent of conquerors), and spiritual heritage (Marines must maintain spiritual health and growth to nurture enduring values and acquire a source of strength required for success in battle and the ability to endure hardship).

HOW COMMITMENT RELATES - Attaining your worthy goal of becoming an astronaut will not be an easy one. The Marine Corps will help you increase your discipline for accomplishing this admirable personal goal. Furthermore, the standards of excellence within the Marine Corps will prepare you to execute tough missions in space with precision.

Overall, there are around 10,000 active duty Marine Corps Officers. The Few and The Proud is an accurate statement, as we screen and evaluate competitively. If you think you have what it takes to become an astronaut, I would also ask you to consider whether or not you have what it takes to become a Marine. If you can serve with us, I have no doubt that you can serve our nation in space.

Semper Fidelis.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
-4
jonceramic's Avatar
jonceramic | 3 years, 5 months ago
4
Just find another astronaut who needs a date, don an adult diaper, and drive to kidnap them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Nowak

Oh wait, that's how to LOSE a job as an astronaut.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel

Learn something new with our FREE educational apps!

Private lessons in the comfort of your own home. Get back in shape or finally pick up a guitar with our great experts guiding you the whole way!
Learn Guitar
Learn Hip Hop
Learn Pilates