Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Top Stories > The truth you need to know about becoming an Astronaut

The truth you need to know about becoming an Astronaut

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on February 15, 2018

3 min read

Last updated: January 21, 2026

A hopeful astronaut in training prepares for a mission - Global Banking & Finance Review — An aspiring astronaut in training showcases the dedication needed to join the ranks of space explorers. This image reflects the rigorous education and physical fitness requirements discussed in the article about becoming an astronaut.

Many kids and adults all over the world dream of becoming an astronaut. Many kids throughout the generations have had such dreams, but only a handful have been able to fulfil their wish of becoming a professional astronaut in the past 5 decades. The passion of reaching the space is not something that can become a reality overnight. It involves years of dedicated approach, education, and experience. Despite all these efforts, many can’t get through the first attempt as only a few applicants can become astronauts making it hard to get through.

Requirements:

Types of jobs on offer:

Mission control astronauts
Pilot astronauts
Payload specialist

Education: To become an astronaut, the first thing is to have relevant experience in school. There are two main categories of astronauts applicants:

Military: The procedures differ based on the US armed forces branch you are working in, and you will have to apply through that branch and not individually
Civilian: They can apply to NASA directly.

Irrespective of the type of applicants, the aspiring astronauts should have a bachelor’s degree in maths, engineering, biological science or physical science at the least. Many successful astronauts have a master’s and a doctoral degree

Physical fitness: Candidates who aspire to become astronauts have to be in great physical shape with a 20/20 vision, a height between 62 and 75 inches for a pilot astronaut and a height between 58.5 and 76 inches for mission control astronauts.

Blood pressure less than 140/90.
It is essential for you to be a good swimmer.
The candidate should not have any diseases and is not dependant on drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
If you are applying for a pilot astronaut post, then it is recommended to have flight test experience.
The candidate should have normal functionality in all the joints
The candidate should not have any mental health issues.

There will be many interviews during the selection process where the candidate will be tested physically, mentally as well as psychologically.

After getting selected: If you are selected after this rigorous process, you are still not considered as an Astronaut as there are other procedures to complete. You will have to complete two years of training where you will work as an astronaut candidate. During this period, the candidate will get classroom training about the space stations and spaceflight. Here you will have to learn scuba diving, water survival training, swimming tests, and will be trained in atmospheric pressures of varying degrees high and low. You will also be trained in Russian language, conduct flights in vomit comet and much more.

Post the graduation, the astronauts will still not be assigned flights, and it may take years before they are sent. Till then they will have to work as backups to other astronauts in Orbits, work in NASA and other partners like Canada, learn to operate the robotic arm. They are also expected to be proficient on T-38 aircraft and have minimum hours of flying time per month. Even if the astronaut is selected for a flight it will take a few years to complete the training. After classroom training, there will be many simulations to get a feel of things. The civilians who complete the training will have to be a NASA employee for at least 5 years before they can become an astronaut.