How to Become an Astronaut?

Travelling into space and exploring unknown territories is not a typical career path, right? However, some people have a passion for it and pursue it. Students with a master's degree in a STEM field need to undergo two years of intensive training and pass a physical exam to become an astronaut. The steps to becoming an astronaut differ in the USA, India, and the UK, so students must ensure they target their desired scientific organisation to prepare accordingly.

In this blog, we will figure out all the necessary step to become an Astronaut in India:

What is an Astronaut and what do they do?

An astronaut is an individual who travels to space for study or work. On a very broad spectrum, astronauts work to deepen our knowledge of geology, astronomy, physics, or biochemistry. While on a mission, astronauts are expected to maintain spacecraft and equipment, conduct experiments, and launch satellites. When in space, astronauts pilot and command the shuttle for the designated mission. There are also educator astronauts who go through the same training but become academicians and trainers to inspire and teach other astronauts.

Types of Astronauts

There are three major types of astronauts: Pilot astronauts, mission centric astronauts and educator astronauts.

• Pilot astronauts: They are the ones who command and pilot the shuttles. The aim is that in the near future, they may command spaceships returning to the moon or Mars. Historically, NASA recruits military officers and pilots to become pilots. One of the major checkpoints to become a pilot astronaut is they should be ready to face challenging even danger to life situations.

• Mission specialist astronauts: Mission specialist astronauts team up with pilots to maintain spacecraft and equipment, carry out experiments, and launch satellites. Mission experts could be engineers, scientists, or doctors. NASA has also added mission specialist educator astronauts.
• Educator astronauts: These astronauts undergo the same training and education, but they work towards teaching and inspiring others to become astronauts.

What are the steps to becoming Astronauts?

There is no set academic programme or training for becoming an astronaut. However, there is a broad pattern or sequence of steps that you can follow. The essential need is to have a STEM educational background, preferably in maths or engineering. Candidates must finish a master's degree and then apply to the space agency.

Here are the steps to become pilots:

• All candidates must hold a master's degree in a STEM programme, such as engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics.
• For pilot candidates, a pilot degree is required. They must have at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
• Non-pilot candidates must have at least three years of relevant, progressively responsible professional experience.
• Candidates must also pass a physical examination that checks visual acuity, blood pressure, and standing height.

After meeting all these requirements, candidates can apply for astronaut positions at various space agencies, like ISRO. They must then complete the necessary training and tests to become astronauts.

ISRO Astronauts must-haves-At this time, ISRO only considers astronauts of Indian origin for their space missions, giving preference to Air Force pilots and officers.

What are the skills required to be an astronaut?

Astronauts literally have an "out of this world" role to fulfil, requiring a diverse skill set to fit into the mission. They must be trained to meet the physical and physiological standards necessary for space missions.

In addition, they need to be highly knowledgeable and capable of handling responsibilities like equipment maintenance, cleaning, measurements, data collection, and other tasks involving engineering and science expertise. Importantly, they must be able to make real-time decisions, as space missions can present many unexpected challenges.

How long does it take to become an astronaut?

There are two aspects of being an astronaut:

1. ISRO accepts your application, and you complete your training, which lasts about two years.
2. ISRO evaluates and then assigns you to a space mission, which might take some additional time.

What is the salary of an astronaut?

The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has revised the salaries and allowances of ISRO scientists and engineers. Their monthly salaries can go up to ₹80,000. Along with this basic pay, they receive additional monthly benefits such as Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, and House Rent Allowance, which can bring the total to ₹90,000.

Earning the title of astronaut is a prestigious achievement to add to your resume. It opens unique opportunities to travel to space and explore the unknown for the betterment of humankind. Additionally, those who have trained as astronauts have numerous employment prospects with both public and private recruiters in fields such as space research labs, spacecraft manufacturing firms, military organisations, and government observatories.

While there may not be a direct pathway to becoming an astronaut, the first step is enrolling in an engineering programme, where AECC can assist you in mapping out a clear career path towards becoming an astronaut.

For this and other educational pathways, contact us today.