How long do you have to go to school to become an astronaut?

Answer 1

Astronaut Requirements

01.29.04

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to become a NASA Astronaut? The term "astronaut" derives from the Greek words meaning "space sailor," and refers to all who have been launched as crew members aboard NASA spacecraft bound for orbit and beyond. Since the inception of NASA's human space flight program, we have also maintained the term "astronaut" as the title for those selected to join the NASA corps of astronauts who make "space sailing" their career profession. The term "cosmonaut" refers to those space sailors who are members of the Russian space program.

The crew of each launched spacecraft is made up of astronauts or cosmonauts drawn from the various categories described in these pages. The crew assignments and duties of commander, pilot, mission specialist, or payload specialist are drawn from the NASA professional career astronauts. Mission Applicants for the Astronaut Candidate Program must be citizens of the United States.

Commander and Pilot Astronaut Duties

Pilot astronauts serve as both Space Shuttle and International Space Station commanders and pilots. During flight, the commander has onboard responsibility for the vehicle, crew, mission success and safety of flight. The pilot assists the commander in controlling and operating the vehicle. In addition, the pilot may assist in the deployment and retrieval of satellites utilizing the remote manipulator system, in extravehicular activities, and in other payload operations.

Basic requirements for an Astronaut Pilot include the following:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable. Quality of academic preparation is important.

2. At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Flight test experience is highly desirable.

3. Ability to pass a NASA space physical which is similar to a military or civilian flight physical and includes the following specific standards:

• Distant visual acuity: 20/100 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 each eye.
• Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in a sitting position.
• Height between 62 and 75 inches.

Answer 2

Lots of math and sciences; physics and chemistry.

In college, you will want to direct yourself more to practical topics than theoretical ones, so try for an engineering degree rather than pure sciences. Mechanical engineering is good, or chemical engineering. Aeronautical engineers will build the rockets, while civil engineers will build the space habitats and lunar colonies.

Don't be too specialized; there won't be too many people going into space at first, and if you are well-rounded with a range of skills, you will be more useful.

Answer 3

what schools do you have to go to to be an astronaut?

Answer 4

well first you have to take so many test and they are very hard as i can tell

Answer 5

The colleges and universities vary, but most (US) astronauts are Air Force Officers before they become astronauts.

Answer 6

it takes about 6-7 years to become an astronaut