If you’ve ever wanted to be an astronaut it’s time to get your resume ready; NASA is accepting applications starting next week for the next class of astronaut candidates.
The next class of astronauts will likely have a chance to spend some time on the International Space Station and possibly ride on one of the next-generation rockets being built by SpaceX and Boeing.
The requirements are pretty significant for landing this great job; candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or math along with relevant professional experience or have 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet planes.
You’ll also need to pass NASA’s ‘Long Duration Flight Physical’ with the following requirements:
- Distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20, each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable.
- The refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are allowed. Note that such surgeries are permitted, but not required for potential applicants.
- Since all crewmembers will be expected to fly aboard a specific spacecraft vehicle and perform Extravehicular Activities (space walks), applicants must meet the anthropometric requirements for both the specific vehicle and the extravehicular activity mobility unit (space suit). Applicants brought in for an interview will be evaluated to ensure they meet the anthropometric requirements.
NASA says there are no age restrictions for the program. Astronaut candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34.
Astronauts make between $66,026 and $144,566 per year.
Applications will be accepted starting on December 15, 2015 – you can find out more at this link:
http://astronauts.nasa.gov/content/broch00.htm
If you like NASA and things that fly, you’ll probably love this video:
