Dreamt of traversing the space? But you definitely cannot walk into space, you have to be prepared. Here is all you need to know about NASA, how to get in there, the training, the qualification and much more.
When it comes to space and anything related to it, the first name that crosses our mind is NASA. Over the years it has become synonymous with science and space research. It is one the leading commodities in the branch of aerospace. With much anticipated Mars mission, there are much more mission ns in store.
With missions on board, they definitely need manpower and more brains to churn out new theories and research. But making it to NASA isn’t easy. The selection process is tough and out of thousands, only a few can make it to the center. Recently when NASA was open for astronauts, it received some 18,000+ plus applications out which only 12 were selected.
With stats it is quite evident that making it through NASA is not as easy as eating a cupcake, it does take a lot of potential. You truly have to be passionate about it.
NYOOOZ brings answers to some questions aspirants have regarding hiring process at NASA
How one qualifies for a job at NASA?
As the website says, “Astronaut candidates must also have skills in leadership, teamwork, and communications”.
Educational Qualifications-
The candidates must be a graduate in the field of field of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Besides, post graduation and work experience or at least a thousand hours worth of experience in flying jets are some obligatory parameters for selection.
Physical Qualifications-
Except for educational qualifications, candidates have to stand firm on the physical parameters as well. One should have good eyesight and must be between 5ft 2 and 6ft 3, and should also have stable BP, which shouldn’t exceed from 140/90.
The applicants also go through endurance test which is followed by a series of interviews.
The training at NASA
If your stars fall in the right place and you qualify all the sets of above-mentioned things you are yet to go through a rigorous training for 2 years which is followed by an evaluation period. Some call these training periods as ‘a full four-year college degree, compressed in two years, without any summer breaks’.
The training prepares the candidates to master skills that they will need during the missions, some tasks include:
When do you get to step into space?
Stepping into space is not as simple as one thinks, and this is just level one of training, one has to go through stage two of training.
This stage starts 6 months before you head to step in space, where you’re taught everything one has to perform in space.
After you have done the stage two training as well. There are several experiments to be carried out. One is taught about hardware reparation and some other basic functions in the space shuttle.
Wondering the pay?
The annual salary of an astronaut lies between $66,000 to $144,500 per annum, this amounts to approximately INR 44.2 lakhs to INR 1 crore. NASA is very strict with its policy, as a NASA employee one cannot write books or charge for public speaking. Though former astronauts say, that one doesn’t have the time for other those things.
Feeling motivated? What are you waiting for then, get going with your preparations and live your dreams in space!
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