How to become an astronaut?

Question

I have dreamed of becoming an astronaut since the third grade. I am now 16 and am actually seriously thinking about how I can go about doing this. Can one still become an astronaut after being a test pilot first?

Yes, I know there is an application and selection process, but is being a test pilot still one of the best ways to get chosen?

Answer 1

military pilot, or relevant hard science, plus a certain amount of luck, since there are far more qualified candidates than there are positions available.

you also need to keep up on things, since the "military test pilots" requirement was dropped ages ago.

Answer 2

If you want to be an astronaut, I wouldn't go the test pilot route. Consider the future and where spaceflight is going. With the exception of the last 15-20 minutes of the mission, the commander of the space shuttle is NOT actively flying the craft, he/she is monitoring the automatic performance of the spacecraft during highly dynamic phases of flight (ascent, re-entry, landing).

In the case of the space shuttle, that spacecraft has always had an auto-land function from day one. They just haven't had the guts to use it.

The way things are going, this automation is going to become more and more pervasive. Astronauts of the future will have to be very good at answering the "why and what" questions (why is this soil test giving me this result?) as opposed to the "how and when" question (how are we going to land this baby? and when?)

Think of it this way, do you want to be the limo driver or the expert that is driven around? :) One of these days the limo driver will be looking for a job when all the robots start driving.

I think the top fields for astronauts in the future will be geology, life science, planetary science, biophysics, and maybe some form of engineering.

Answer 3

Follow your dreams Claire! Don't let anyone detract from your dreams. Set your sights on your goal and go for it! Heres a sight that might help you:http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts/...

Riding a rocket into space is one of the most exciting, daring, and courageous things a human can do.

Answer 4

If you want to be a test pilot, you have to be in the Air Force. I'd rather be a specialtist, but if you want to be a pilot, go ahead.