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To begin with, aspiring candidates must be citizens of a nation that is a member of a space agency. For example, to apply to NASA, one must be a U.S. citizen. However, some private space companies might hire astronauts without strict nationality requirements.
Many qualifications, such as educational background, are consistent across various space agencies. For instance, to apply as an astronaut for the European Space Agency (ESA), a master’s degree or higher in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or a test pilot qualification is necessary. NASA has similar requirements but also allows candidates to pursue a two-year doctoral degree in these fields.
However, having the required qualifications is not enough. Candidates also need practical experience – at least two years of post-graduate related experience for NASA or three years for ESA in their respective research fields.
NASA’s requirements can also be met by pilots with over 1,000 hours of jet aircraft experience. Since English is the language used on the International Space Station, fluency is a must. Additionally, proficiency in other languages, such as Russian, can be advantageous.
Astronauts must also maintain good health. For example, ESA requires medical certification. NASA candidates need to pass the long-duration spaceflight physical examination.
“Typically, as we near the end of the selection process, we put them through the same assessment process that we use to assign a current astronaut to a mission, just to ensure that they’re qualified to be assigned to a spaceflight mission,” said Anne Roemer, NASA’s astronaut selection manager.
Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Astronauts work long hours in high-stress situations, spending months away from their families and dealing with communication challenges with people on Earth.
For instance, on the International Space Station, email and video calls are available, but only audio can be received after a call ends, and there’s usually a several-second delay. Communication with loved ones on missions to Mars, for example, might be even more challenging.
Dagmar Boos, the head of selection, mentioned: “In the selection process, we assess through psychological testing and other tools that person’s psychological stability, especially when there are signs of instability,” such as mental disorders. This psychological stability is vital for both the individual astronaut and the overall team’s safety.
These are minimum requirements, but to be selected as an astronaut, more is needed. Over 18,000 people applied for NASA’s astronaut class in 2017, and only 12 were chosen.
One sought-after trait is the ability to lead while being a team player. Experience in extreme environments like the Arctic or deserts might make candidates more appealing to judges, Boos noted. She also looks for individuals who take responsibility for others’ lives, such as being part of a rescue team.
Beyond space travel, astronauts have technical roles on Earth and serve as the face of space programs, necessitating adaptability across various contexts. Roemer stated, “We’re looking for well-rounded individuals. That could include professional accomplishments, hobbies, and interests.”
Ultimately, astronauts must collaborate intelligently and effectively. Roemer concluded, “The ultimate goal is Mars, which is a fairly long mission. They’re trying to assess, ‘Will I work well with this person?’ and ensure that we have a successful mission.”