NASA Recruiting New Astronauts For The First Time Since 2011: Do You Have What It Takes?
If, like Howard Wolowitz from "The Big Bang Theory", you have dreams of being an astronaut, like him, you may just have a chance to make your dream come true.
In a report by Space.com, NASA is recruiting new astronauts for the first time since 2011 and all you have to do is show them that you have what it takes to go on a space mission. According to the site, NASA announced that it will be accepting applications for its next astronaut training round in December until February 2016. Those who are selected for astronaut training will be announced by mid-2017.
"With more human spacecraft in development in the United States today than at any other time in history, future astronauts will launch once again from the Space Coast of Florida on American-made commercial spacecraft and carry out deep-space exploration missions that will advance a future human mission to Mars," NASA said in a statement.
The new recruits are going to be considered for missions on the International Space Station, although they will also likely have the chance to fly on two new crew vehicles, the SpaceX Crew Dragon, and the Boeing CST-100 Starliner. NBC News reported that the Space X and the Boeing are building spacecrafts that NASA hopes to launch humans to the International Space Station beginning 2017. This is significant considering that no spaceflight has been crewed from American soil since the shut-down of the space shuttle program in 2011.
Later still, they will be consdidered for trips on board the Orion Spacecraft, which can take them to extended trips around the moon and eventually, for missions to Mars.
So what does it take to be a NASA astronaut? Here's a list:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Biological Science, Physical Science, or Mathematics
- Three years of relevant professional experience
- or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft
- Pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical
There is no age restriction, although NBC mentioned that the average recruit in the past is 34.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden Said, "This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet."
"Those selected for this service will fly on U.S.-made spacecraft from American soil, advance critical science and research aboard the International Space Station, and help push the boundaries of technology in the proving ground of deep space," he went on.
Oh, as for the pay, it reportedly starts at $66,000 per year but can go as high as $144,566 with experience.
Do you have what it takes to be a NASA Astronaut?