The job and what it involves
An astronaut is someone who is trained to command, pilot or serve as a crew member on a spacecraft. Astronauts may travel on a variety of missions with different purposes, often to work at the International Space Centre or for research or exploratory pursuits. Astronauts work as part of a crew and have various responsibilities on board. The on-board crew will comprise of different roles from a mission specialist to a commander and the work will vary according to your specific job.
The main areas of work
The working environment for astronauts is varied and exciting. You will spend a lot of time in classrooms, gyms and simulation environments. However, you will also spend time in the actual spacecraft before missions to familiarise yourself with the environment. Astronauts can work very long hours and will be away from home on missions. Although in comparison to preparation, time spent on missions will be minimal, missions themselves will be very intensive with astronauts working up to 100 hours a week.
Qualities required
Being physically fit is very important to an astronaut due to the different climate and conditions in outer space. You must also have the ability to be calm and collected in stressful situations and those of emergency. Attentions to detail and focus are useful qualities, good skills of communication and the ability to work as team is important too.
Qualifications
Entry into the profession is very competitive and there are a series of qualifications and tests which you must have completed to become an astronaut. The minimum requirement for an astronaut is a Bachelor of Arts of a BA degree, preferably in a similar field such as Maths, science or engineering. Most astronauts have higher qualifications and a further degree would be advantageous to anyone entering the field.
To become an astronaut, you must undertake a vigorous training program which involves physical tests and exams testing your knowledge and abilities in different areas. The program will also involve simulation exercises and experience in an actual spacecraft. Throughout your time in the profession you will have to continue training programs and these will be especially intensive before missions.
Route to success
Undertaking pilot training, perhaps by joining your local air cadets or gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) will be a useful venture. Additionally, any work experience in the field of aeronautical engineering, space research or in aviation would also give you an insight into the career. There are also a variety of “space camps” on offer which are residential courses providing you with more know.
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