Not being a U.S. citizen and having some medical conditions will disqualify you from being an astronaut. The basic requirements to apply for the Astronaut Candidate Program are:
U.S. citizenship (applicants with a valid U.S. dual citizenship are also eligible)
Master's degree in a STEM field
Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft
It is important to note that degrees in the following fields are not considered qualifying even though they are related to engineering and sciences:
Degrees in technology, including engineering technology, aviation technology, or medical technology
Degrees in psychology (except for clinical psychology, physiological psychology, and experimental psychology, which are qualifying degree fields)
Degrees in nursing
Degrees in exercise physiology or similar fields
Degrees in social sciences, including geography, anthropology, or archaeology
Degrees in aviation, aviation management, or similar fields
Astronaut candidates must also be able to pass the NASA long-duration astronaut physical, which includes distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable, as are refractive surgical procedures of the eye.
Anthropometric requirements for the spacecraft and the spacesuit are also required as all crewmembers will be expected to fly aboard the spacecraft and perform spacewalks. All applicants will be evaluated to ensure they can meet the anthropometric requirements.
There are no formal age restrictions for the program; however, astronaut candidates are typically between 26 and 46 years of age, with the average age being 34. NASA will not grant waivers for their medical requirements.
NASA will look at what is required for spaceflight operations and what serious or life-threatening problems may develop. For that reason, all crewmembers must be free of medical conditions impairing the person's ability to participate in, or be aggravated by, spaceflight.
As a seasoned space enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate criteria for selecting astronauts, my expertise stems from an in-depth exploration of space programs, astronaut selection processes, and the scientific prerequisites necessary for venturing beyond our planet. I've delved into the rigorous standards set by organizations like NASA, enabling me to elucidate the nuances of astronaut qualifications with authority.
The criteria outlined in the article shed light on the stringent prerequisites for aspiring astronauts, underscoring the meticulous considerations made to ensure the physical and intellectual prowess of spacefarers. Allow me to break down the key concepts highlighted in the text:
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U.S. Citizenship and Dual Citizenship Eligibility:
- To be considered for the Astronaut Candidate Program, applicants must hold U.S. citizenship. Notably, those with valid U.S. dual citizenship are also eligible, reflecting the program's inclusivity.
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Educational Background:
- A Master's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field is a fundamental requirement. However, certain related degrees, such as technology, psychology (with exceptions), nursing, exercise physiology, and social sciences, are explicitly mentioned as non-qualifying degrees.
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Professional Experience:
- Applicants need a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft. This underscores the importance of practical expertise in addition to academic qualifications.
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Vision and Eye Correction:
- Meeting specific visual acuity standards is crucial. Distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable, as are refractive surgical procedures of the eye, emphasizing the importance of clear vision during space missions.
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Anthropometric Requirements:
- Astronaut candidates must meet anthropometric requirements for the spacecraft and spacesuit. This ensures that all crewmembers can effectively operate spacecraft and perform spacewalks, highlighting the precision needed in designing space equipment.
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Age and Medical Requirements:
- While there are no formal age restrictions, astronaut candidates typically fall within the age range of 26 to 46, with an average age of 34. NASA emphasizes that medical requirements, including freedom from conditions impairing spaceflight participation, are non-negotiable. Waivers will not be granted for medical standards, underlining the critical nature of astronaut health.
In conclusion, the selection process for astronauts is a meticulous journey that combines academic excellence, practical experience, physical fitness, and medical fitness. These criteria, meticulously outlined by NASA, underscore the multifaceted nature of preparing individuals for the challenges and demands of space exploration.
FAQs
Not being a U.S. citizen and having some medical conditions will disqualify you from being an astronaut. The basic requirements to apply for the Astronaut Candidate Program are: U.S. citizenship (applicants with a valid U.S. dual citizenship are also eligible) Master's degree in a STEM field.
What disqualifies you from astronaut? ›
Candidates will not be selected if they have any food allergies, avoidances, or gastrointestinal disorders, as these cannot be accommodated on a long-duration mission. Candidates must be willing to provide requested biological samples on required days and must eat the spaceflight-like diet provided during the mission.
What stops you from becoming astronaut? ›
Any adult man or woman in excellent physical condition who meets the basic qualifications can be selected to enter astronaut training, according to NASA. The basic requirements are U.S. citizenship, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering, biological or physical science, or mathematics, and work experience.
Who cannot be an astronaut? ›
Astronauts must pass the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical. If you're under 5 feet, 2 inches, or over 6 feet, 3 inches, you're out of luck. Candidates need 20/20 vision, though they may use corrective lenses. Their blood pressure also cannot exceed 140/90 when sitting down.
What is the biggest disqualifying factor for prospective astronauts? ›
“For professional astronauts, common reasons for disqualification include vision or ophthalmological conditions, cardiovascular conditions, chronic sinusitis, migraine, kidney stones, and asthma.”
What medical conditions disqualify astronauts? ›
Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, the Examiner must deny or defer if the applicant has a history of: (1) Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medication; (2) Angina pectoris; (3) Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant; (4) Myocardial ...
Does depression disqualify you from being an astronaut? ›
A psychiatrist examines applicants for factors that could potentially disqualify them, such as mental illness or even marital problems (Lewis, 2014). Applicants deemed to have the highest chances of having a behavioral emergency in space are disqualified.
What's considered the best background for NASA? ›
Today, to be considered for an astronaut position, applicants must meet the following qualifications: Be a U.S. citizen. Possess a master's degree* in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, from an accredited institution.
What is the age limit for astronauts? ›
There are no age restrictions for the NASA Astronaut Corps. Astronaut candidates have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34. Candidates must be U.S. citizens to apply for the program. There are three broad categories of qualifications: education, work experience, and medical.
What is the height requirement for astronauts? ›
According to NASA, candidates must have a height between 62 and 75 inches or 157.48 to 190.5 centimeters. Astronauts need to be tall enough to reach controls but not so tall that the suit or area onboard a spacecraft or the space station is too cramped.
Anyone can apply, and many will — each time the space agency puts out the call every four years, it receives as many as 18,000 applications. But only eight to 14 candidates make the cut, April Jordan, manager of NASA astronaut selection, told Business Insider. That's an acceptance rate of less than 1%.
Do astronauts need to be fit? ›
Astronauts must have strong core muscles in order to move in the microgravity environment of space. These core muscles allow astronauts to move equipment and supplies around the International Space Station (ISS) and perform Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs) known to most of us as spacewalks.
Who is the youngest astronaut? ›
Since Daemen flew a suborbital mission, Titov remains the youngest person to fly in Earth orbit. Titov's flight finally proved that humans could live and work in space.
What disqualifies you from the air force? ›
Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...
Can a felon be an astronaut? ›
No, part of the application questioning asks if you have ever been convicted of a felony as most all applications do. Does a felony conviction automatically disqualify a person from employment? Yes big background check , space x is contracted by NASA..
What age do astronauts retire? ›
Eventually, astronauts have to come home, and some experience personal difficulties adapting to not being in space anymore. According to a 2017 study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, the average age of retirement for astronauts is approximately 48 years old.
What is not a requirement to be an astronaut? ›
FACT: Military experience is not required to become an astronaut. MYTH: You must be a certain age to be an astronaut. FACT: There are no age restrictions. Astronaut candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34.
What are the 4 requirements to be an astronaut? ›
How to become an astronaut
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess a master's degree in a S.T.E.M. field.
- Earn at least 1,000 hours in flight training.
- Pass the flight physical examination.
The Astronaut Candidate Program requires either 3 years of professional related experience or have at least 1,000 hours of Pilot-In-Command time. A minimum of 850 hours must be in a high-performance jet aircraft. The remaining hours may be accumulated in aircraft other than high-performance jet aircraft.
