Space Astronaut
Hi, I am studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at a level and hope to study Biochemistry at university in 2024. I am interested in space aswell, and conduct astrophotography as a hobby. Both my interests have made me passionate both about extra terrestrial life and the possibility for organic life to be sustained outside of Earth.
In short terms, I am really interested in becoming an astronaut, as I relish the idea to be able to conduct experiments in space, and to investigate extra terrestrial possibilities of life.
Does anyone know how I can plan my future to allow me to do this? Are there any procedures I must begin early into my career?
In short terms, I am really interested in becoming an astronaut, as I relish the idea to be able to conduct experiments in space, and to investigate extra terrestrial possibilities of life.
Does anyone know how I can plan my future to allow me to do this? Are there any procedures I must begin early into my career?
The European Space Agency has a good guide about how to become an astronaut. Note that this relates to their 2008-09 recruitment process, but the broad concepts are the same:
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/How_to_become_an_astronaut
Key bit:
"A high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications, is essential. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks."
Lots of articles about thier more recent recruitment drive here:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection
And a general careers page which show different routes to join ESA:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Find_your_path_with_ESA
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/How_to_become_an_astronaut
Key bit:
"A high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications, is essential. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks."
Lots of articles about thier more recent recruitment drive here:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection
And a general careers page which show different routes to join ESA:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Find_your_path_with_ESA
There is no definitive 'career path' leading to astronaut the same as there is no definitive career path leading to 'mega rockstar'.
Missions are hand picked and each mission has it's parameters defined before the specialists start looking for crews. That means there is no way to pre-empt what any given mission crew will comprise, the skills they need and the specialisations that will be required. Supremely fit, personality, resilience, passion, scientific qualifications, engineering ability, aptitude, passing fiendishly difficult training programmes...all of it will be required.
It's a case of being at the right place at the right time with the right skill sets and qualifications.
Used to be astronauts were hand picked from the the top fast-jet combat pilots in the airforces and navies of participant nations. Just as easily outreach programmes hand picked crew members for their charisma and general abilities. for instance school teachers, astronomers, biologists etc. You need to an over-achiever be at the top of your field to beat the competition.
Take a look at this:
UK governement careers advice
By the way, the competition is immense for each job. You will need to be prepared for handling disappointment at every stage.
Out of 22,500 applicants to join the ESA astronaut corps, 17 were chosen. Here are a couple of profiles:
Rosemary Coogan UK
John McFall UK
Missions are hand picked and each mission has it's parameters defined before the specialists start looking for crews. That means there is no way to pre-empt what any given mission crew will comprise, the skills they need and the specialisations that will be required. Supremely fit, personality, resilience, passion, scientific qualifications, engineering ability, aptitude, passing fiendishly difficult training programmes...all of it will be required.
It's a case of being at the right place at the right time with the right skill sets and qualifications.
Used to be astronauts were hand picked from the the top fast-jet combat pilots in the airforces and navies of participant nations. Just as easily outreach programmes hand picked crew members for their charisma and general abilities. for instance school teachers, astronomers, biologists etc. You need to an over-achiever be at the top of your field to beat the competition.
Take a look at this:
UK governement careers advice
By the way, the competition is immense for each job. You will need to be prepared for handling disappointment at every stage.
Out of 22,500 applicants to join the ESA astronaut corps, 17 were chosen. Here are a couple of profiles:
Rosemary Coogan UK
John McFall UK
(edited 6 months ago)
Original post by Admit-One
The European Space Agency has a good guide about how to become an astronaut. Note that this relates to their 2008-09 recruitment process, but the broad concepts are the same:
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/How_to_become_an_astronaut
Key bit:
"A high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications, is essential. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks."
Lots of articles about thier more recent recruitment drive here:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection
And a general careers page which show different routes to join ESA:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Find_your_path_with_ESA
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/How_to_become_an_astronaut
Key bit:
"A high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications, is essential. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks."
Lots of articles about thier more recent recruitment drive here:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection
And a general careers page which show different routes to join ESA:
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Find_your_path_with_ESA
Thankyou!! Sounds like a good opportunity to get a pilots license 😁😁 I have been looking into getting one just for the opportunity to learn the skill and if it helps, it wouldn't do any harm!! Thankyou
Original post by uberteknik
There is no definitive 'career path' leading to astronaut the same as there is no definitive career path leading to 'mega rockstar'.
Missions are hand picked and each mission has it's parameters defined before the specialists start looking for crews. That means there is no way to pre-empt what any given mission crew will comprise, the skills they need and the specialisations that will be required. Supremely fit, personality, resilience, passion, scientific qualifications, engineering ability, aptitude, passing fiendishly difficult training programmes...all of it will be required.
It's a case of being at the right place at the right time with the right skill sets and qualifications.
Used to be astronauts were hand picked from the the top fast-jet combat pilots in the airforces and navies of participant nations. Just as easily outreach programmes hand picked crew members for their charisma and general abilities. for instance school teachers, astronomers, biologists etc. You need to an over-achiever be at the top of your field to beat the competition.
Take a look at this:
UK governement careers advice
By the way, the competition is immense for each job. You will need to be prepared for handling disappointment at every stage.
Out of 22,500 applicants to join the ESA astronaut corps, 17 were chosen. Here are a couple of profiles:
Rosemary Coogan UK
John McFall UK
Missions are hand picked and each mission has it's parameters defined before the specialists start looking for crews. That means there is no way to pre-empt what any given mission crew will comprise, the skills they need and the specialisations that will be required. Supremely fit, personality, resilience, passion, scientific qualifications, engineering ability, aptitude, passing fiendishly difficult training programmes...all of it will be required.
It's a case of being at the right place at the right time with the right skill sets and qualifications.
Used to be astronauts were hand picked from the the top fast-jet combat pilots in the airforces and navies of participant nations. Just as easily outreach programmes hand picked crew members for their charisma and general abilities. for instance school teachers, astronomers, biologists etc. You need to an over-achiever be at the top of your field to beat the competition.
Take a look at this:
UK governement careers advice
By the way, the competition is immense for each job. You will need to be prepared for handling disappointment at every stage.
Out of 22,500 applicants to join the ESA astronaut corps, 17 were chosen. Here are a couple of profiles:
Rosemary Coogan UK
John McFall UK
Thankyou!! I did think it would be selective! Hopefully if technology and the economics of space travel gets cheaper it will be less selective and give me a stronger opportunity. Regardless, trying to do research at the forefront of science will be my goal, if going to space becomes an opportunity, taking that opportunity would be a no brainer. Thanks for this!
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