Ever wondered what's on the moon?
Does floating in space sound like a fun adventure to you?
If yes, then being an astronaut could be the right job for you!
Who Is An Astronaut?
Astronauts are specially trained scientists who go to space to study and learn more about what's beyond our planet Earth.
So what type of astronaut would you want to become?
Mission Specialist
Mission specialists astronauts conduct experiments and launch satellites in space. They're also trained to make repairs to spacecraft as well as space stations.
Pilot
Pilots astronauts are responsible for the safety of the flight and the crew, and ensure mission success.
Quiz
The job of an astronaut includes:
More About The Job
Astronauts never stop learning and wondering!
They assist in building and maintaining NASA vehicles and spacecraft
They observe and monitor changes around the Earth
They conduct life-saving research in space
How to Become an Astronaut
NASA selects candidates who meet all of these requirements:
Have a degree in engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics
Are able to pass NASA's demanding space flight physical
Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
Training
Expect training to last between a year or two. Astronauts in training learn:
Survival techniques for land and water
Proper use of spacesuits
Scuba diving
How to fly a space shuttle
How to navigate low gravity or environments with different air pressure
Assess Yourself
You'll love it if...
You're investigative and you love science and scientific experiments
You're curious about the earth, space, and the universe
You're resilient, both physically and mentally
Pursue a different career if...
You hate physics or mathematics because that's what this job involves, for the most part
You like to have a routine 9-5 job. Astronauts work in space and there's no standard time set for work
What About Salary?
Astronauts get paid based on a combination of experience and academic achievements.
New astronauts starting out could earn up $65,140
Experienced astronauts can earn $100,701
Choose the best future astronaut!
Anita recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering. She loves science and can work out complex math and physics problems. She's scared of heights and can't swim.
Rufai has a major in physics. He loves adventures. He appreciates science and loves heights. Rufai is good at problem-solving and knows how to navigate tough situations.
Quiz
Who could potentially become an astronaut?
Take Action
If you want to pursue a career as an astronaut:
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