4 answers
sokar
Student
1
Question
Asked
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what do i need to be an Austronaunt. I am confused of what to study or what fields to focus on.?
i just want info on what type of gpa i would need for scholorships what fields to go after and how can i make my college resume look good for future refrence as i am just going into high school.
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4 answers
David Bilodeau
Senior Engineer, Systems Engineering
7
Answers
Carrollton, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Astronauts typically have undergraduate degrees in engineering, mathematics, sciences such as biology or physics, and those who have military pilot experience or medical degrees have additional advantages with the advanced degrees in biological and engineering such as biomedical engineering.
What makes your resume look best is a consistent track record of good grades in all the core subjects-STEM and some in arts as well (where STEAM is available). There is no substitute for high academic achievement in high school to get into a top tier university to pursue the engineering and science disciplines.
My father, who was Chief of Astronaut Training and Procedures Division at NASA/Johnson Space Center Houston always advised young people who would ask him about becoming an astronaut to focus on being really good in mathematics as well because there is a lot is such knowledge used to understand orbital mechanics of flying a space vessel and into the Shuttle program the Mission Specialist became an integral part of Shuttle missions as that program matured. Google Sally Ride, Judith Resnick, really any other astronaut and read their bios to get a sense of the types of degree backgrounds they have or had.
There is no substitute for a solid, high gpa and a passionate pursuit of excellence.
What you do in your freshman year in high school is just as important as what you do in your senior year in regard to a solid STEM curriculum and then that and more as you go into college. Study hard, study well, apply yourself and strive for excellence in all aspects of your life to achieve your goal.
It is a lofty and admirable goal to want to be an astronaut though in reality only the best of the best of the best ever make it as there are so very few slots available for the astronaut corps.
Good luck! Focus on academic performance but try to be a well-rounded person of high moral, mental, physical and spiritual character.
What makes your resume look best is a consistent track record of good grades in all the core subjects-STEM and some in arts as well (where STEAM is available). There is no substitute for high academic achievement in high school to get into a top tier university to pursue the engineering and science disciplines.
My father, who was Chief of Astronaut Training and Procedures Division at NASA/Johnson Space Center Houston always advised young people who would ask him about becoming an astronaut to focus on being really good in mathematics as well because there is a lot is such knowledge used to understand orbital mechanics of flying a space vessel and into the Shuttle program the Mission Specialist became an integral part of Shuttle missions as that program matured. Google Sally Ride, Judith Resnick, really any other astronaut and read their bios to get a sense of the types of degree backgrounds they have or had.
There is no substitute for a solid, high gpa and a passionate pursuit of excellence.
What you do in your freshman year in high school is just as important as what you do in your senior year in regard to a solid STEM curriculum and then that and more as you go into college. Study hard, study well, apply yourself and strive for excellence in all aspects of your life to achieve your goal.
It is a lofty and admirable goal to want to be an astronaut though in reality only the best of the best of the best ever make it as there are so very few slots available for the astronaut corps.
Good luck! Focus on academic performance but try to be a well-rounded person of high moral, mental, physical and spiritual character.
thanks a lot david now i know how hard i have to work/ what to work on have a great day david
sokar
Joseph Ford
125
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Purdue University has a Study for Austronaunt. I would suggest looking into this.
thanks joseph i certainly will look into this
sokar
Bhavna Sheth
107
Answers
Collinsville, Virginia
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
To become an astronaut, you need a strong educational background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Here are some of the things you can do to increase your chances of becoming an astronaut:
1. Get a Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in any STEM field is essential. It includes physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
2. Choose your career path: Explore related fields and choose your career path accordingly. Consider majoring in aeronautical or astronautical engineering or other space-related sciences, which deal with the study of the solar system, space, and the universe.
3. Gain work experience: After completing your degree, gain employment in a related field. Building up a career in research labs, engineering firms, and similar industries will provide you with valuable experience.
4. Consider advanced degrees: To stay competitive, a graduate degree like a Master's or a Doctorate will be helpful.
5. Physical fitness: Astronauts need to be in excellent physical condition. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
6. Apply to be a NASA Astronaut Candidate: NASA periodically recruits astronaut candidates through a competitive process. Check the NASA website to learn about their minimum requirements, how to apply, and the selection process.
Becoming an astronaut is a challenging and competitive endeavor, so it is essential to stay focused, committed, and motivated throughout the process.
I hope this helps. Good luck
1. Get a Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in any STEM field is essential. It includes physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
2. Choose your career path: Explore related fields and choose your career path accordingly. Consider majoring in aeronautical or astronautical engineering or other space-related sciences, which deal with the study of the solar system, space, and the universe.
3. Gain work experience: After completing your degree, gain employment in a related field. Building up a career in research labs, engineering firms, and similar industries will provide you with valuable experience.
4. Consider advanced degrees: To stay competitive, a graduate degree like a Master's or a Doctorate will be helpful.
5. Physical fitness: Astronauts need to be in excellent physical condition. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
6. Apply to be a NASA Astronaut Candidate: NASA periodically recruits astronaut candidates through a competitive process. Check the NASA website to learn about their minimum requirements, how to apply, and the selection process.
Becoming an astronaut is a challenging and competitive endeavor, so it is essential to stay focused, committed, and motivated throughout the process.
I hope this helps. Good luck
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
193
Answers
England, England
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
To be a Austronaut, you have to be from Australia (or maybe Austria) 😜
Seriously though, something they will be looking for is diligence; mistakes in space can be very expensive or even impossible to go back and fix later, and even as little as a letter out of place could cause massive issues, particularly if it's in computer code or something like matching a serial number - so you'll want to get into the habit of checking your work before you submit to make sure it's as close to right-first-time as possible.
As the other answers have suggested, historically a lot of astronauts have needed degree, Masters, or even doctoral qualifications in a STEM discipline, and also military flying experience and even test-pilot experience has provided a significant advantage. Some of that is still the case, and following an advanced STEM education is very likely going to be an advantage still.
However, they are now trying to look for a broader range of people, skills and backgrounds. STEM is becoming STEAM as people recognise the importance of creative thinking encouraged in the Arts, and beyond that many space agencies are looking to build a more diverse workforce - I remember seeing something from ESA in the last few years that they were encouraging even people with physical disabilities to apply. Given changes like these at the moment, it's hard to say what the astronaut selection requirements will look like when you'd be looking to enter the workforce - but I'd still recommend working hard to get the best grades you can, and focusing on the core STEM subjects as the most important, but also don't forget the "soft skills".
Seriously though, something they will be looking for is diligence; mistakes in space can be very expensive or even impossible to go back and fix later, and even as little as a letter out of place could cause massive issues, particularly if it's in computer code or something like matching a serial number - so you'll want to get into the habit of checking your work before you submit to make sure it's as close to right-first-time as possible.
As the other answers have suggested, historically a lot of astronauts have needed degree, Masters, or even doctoral qualifications in a STEM discipline, and also military flying experience and even test-pilot experience has provided a significant advantage. Some of that is still the case, and following an advanced STEM education is very likely going to be an advantage still.
However, they are now trying to look for a broader range of people, skills and backgrounds. STEM is becoming STEAM as people recognise the importance of creative thinking encouraged in the Arts, and beyond that many space agencies are looking to build a more diverse workforce - I remember seeing something from ESA in the last few years that they were encouraging even people with physical disabilities to apply. Given changes like these at the moment, it's hard to say what the astronaut selection requirements will look like when you'd be looking to enter the workforce - but I'd still recommend working hard to get the best grades you can, and focusing on the core STEM subjects as the most important, but also don't forget the "soft skills".