Why Don’t They Go To Space?

Want to Become an Astronaut? You Might Be More Qualified Than You Think

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to become a NASA Astronaut? We’re accepting applications starting March 2, and we’re encouraging all eligible Americans to apply by March 31! 

It’s an incredible time in human spaceflight to be an astronaut. With Artemis, our sights are set on the Moon – to stay – by utilizing sustainable lunar missions, and you could be one of the humans on the surface! During their careers, this next class of astronauts may also fly on any of four different U.S. spacecraft: the International Space Station, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and our Orion deep-space exploration vehicle; They will be at the cutting edge of a new era in human exploration. 

So, still interesting in joining our ranks as an Artemis generation astronaut? Here are a few things to note.

Myths about becoming an astronaut:

MYTH: All astronauts have piloting experience.

FACT: You don’t need to be a pilot to be an astronaut. Flying experience is not a requirement, but could be beneficial to have.

MYTH: All astronauts have perfect vision.

FACT: It’s okay if you don’t have 20/20 vision. As of September 2007, corrective surgical procedures of the eye (PRK and LASIK), are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects.

MYTH: All astronauts have advanced degrees like, a PhD.

FACT: While a Master’s degree from an accredited university is necessary, the requirement can also be met with the completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.

MYTH: Astronauts are required to have military experience in order to be selected.

FACT: Military experience is not required to become an astronaut.

MYTH: You have to be a certain age in order 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.

Okay, but what are the requirements?

The basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship and a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, from an accredited institution. The requirement for the master’s degree can also be met by:

Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work toward a Ph.D. program in a related science, technology, engineering or math field;

A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree;

Completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.

Candidates also must have at least two years of related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astronaut candidates must pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical.

Applications for our next Artemis astronaut class open on March 2! Shoot for the stars and visit: https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com 

I currently feel as though there is a translucent essence of myself passing forward and backward through my body as if it was tied to a metronome at my feet. This swaying is making it quite difficult to read unfortunately

I failed my math class!! Now I don’t have to worry about whether I’m gonna fail my math class :)

Maybe I too, am a fish

big fan of taking it easy, and honestly genuinely have no interest whatsoever in the grind

If you guys liked Challengers you will not regret picking up Infinite Jest! It's like a slow-burn, post-apocalyptic AU with lots of trans + queer rep and aspects of magical realism, anti-capitalist and lighthearted fun for all audiences!¹

i know this is primarily a jerma platform but northernlion really IS wild. its like hes a medieval cleric with a mind palace. hes the world's most lucid man. each moment hes alive he is retrieving information. indescribable

I think the framing of complex books as something people should read, in like a self betterment sense, is both deeply harmful to the people who do read it and view it as a chore (an enjoyable one at times, but still a chore) and those who don’t because they see it as too challenging. You should read complex things because challenging yourself is enjoyable, and the famous ones (Infinite Jest my beloved) tend to be quite good. Also it’s not like there’s an intelligence requirement to read things like some people believe (probably to make themselves feel smart), other than literacy in the language and willingness to look up words you don’t know.

Got flayed last night. Do not recommend

Jovial Merriment...

The undisputed G.O.A.T.