Recently, NASA announced some new astronauts that were being added to their ranks. The 11 new astronauts brought the number in NASA’s corp to 48. The ultimate mission of these new recruits was to go to Mars, but they may also be assigned to the International Space Station and the Moon. According to NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, “2020 will mark the return of launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, and will be an important year of progress for our Artemis program and missions to the Moon and beyond.” This announcement reminded me of when I was little, when my goal, like many other kids, was to be an astronaut. But how exactly does one become an astronaut, exactly?
To preface, being an astronaut takes a lot of willpower and a lot of commitment. Lots of these candidates leave behind luxurious careers for a space to go to space. Yet, in 2017, more than 18,000 hopefuls applied to become a member of NASA’s 2017 graduating class. Being an astronaut is no easy feat. It takes both physical and mental prowess. At the base level, NASA requires future astronauts to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology or physical science, computer science, or mathematics. Following the degree, they need three years of professional experience or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft. However, they will take an advanced degree as substitution for experience. Like I mentioned, astronauts need to be in top physical shape, which means they need to pass a grueling physical examination. Astronauts need to pass these tests because they need to prove that they have what it takes to go to space.
Once an astronaut has been selected, what exactly do they do? It’s a job most people can only dream of, but do those dreamers know what the job truly consists of? The astronauts on the Space Shuttle perform experiments, release and capture other satellites, and even assemble the ISS. However, the Space Shuttle isn’t the permanent research facility that the International Space Station is. Crew members aboard the ISS working on science experiments in space, monitor experiments controlled from the ground, and take part in medical experiments that determine how well their body is adjusting to microgravity. Importantly, the ISS needs maintenance. Astronauts aboard this satellite are constantly fixing systems, clearing filters, and updating computer equipment. Being an astronaut means representing the best of the best of human population. It’s an extremely challenging job, but a rewarding one. I’ll probably never be an astronaut, but I will always respect those in the profession.
I traveled to Space Center Houston over spring break, and I learned all about what it entails to be an astronaut. As you said, I always dreamed of blasting off in a rocket and stepping foot on the moon. However, when I heard more about what exactly it takes to get to that point, I realized that that profession is probably unlikely for me. The combination of physical fitness, intelligence, dedication, and bravery that astronauts must exhibit make them people who deserve much more respect than I feel they get and made me realize just how special each person that has gone to space truly is.