Is there a certain mass/height you have to be to be an astronaut ?

Question

I was just wondering, I know its reaaallllllllyyyyyyyy hard to become one, and I'm pretty short so.. would that limited my chances?

Answer 1

As long as you're not a midget, then I'm sure it wouldn't matter! But you need to have a fit, strong bod, and need to be healthy and stuff. I don't know if astronaut suits are 1 size fits all, but you might wanna check, if you're planning to space walk, or moon walk (on the moon. hey yeah someone should go and set a world record, first moonwalk...ON THE MOON!! sorry off topic. back to topic!!). Are you planning to join NASA? Well you will have to learn how to pilot planes, and get degree in aerospace when you're in college

Answer 2

Yes, you can expect something like that even in the future.

I don't know the limits for the Space Shuttle or Orion, but for the Soyuz TMA, the Russians made their standards more NASA compatible by allowing more variation in the size and mass of the astronauts:

Maximum standing height: 190 cm (182 cm in Soyuz TM)

Minimum standing height: 150 cm (164 cm)

Maximum sitting height:  99 cm (94 cm)

Minimum sitting height: 80 cm (80 cm)

Maximum crew mass: 95 kg (85 kg)

Minimum crew mass: 50 kg (56 kg)

Maximum foot length: 29.5 cm (never defined for the TM)

and many more...

So, if you are at least 150 cm and quite muscular, you should have good chances to NOT get rejected by your dimensions.

But the other mental requirements for becoming astronaut are more important.

Answer 3

i dont think so, but u do need to be in excellent physical shape.

Answer 4

NASA grouped Space Shuttle astronauts into three categories. These included Pilot Astronauts, Mission Specialist Astronauts and Payload Specialists. Pilot Astronauts would be further divided into Space Shuttle Commanders and Space Shuttle Pilots.

Space Shuttle Commanders are given overall responsibility for onboard operations during each Space Shuttle mission, including management of the crew and vehicle. Space Shuttle Pilots assist the Commander in the control and operation of the Space Shuttle.

Pilot Astronauts must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable. At least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command flight time is required for Pilot Astronauts. Flight test experience is desirable.

Ability to pass a NASA Class I space physical is required for Pilot Astronauts, which includes a minimum 20/50 uncorrected vision, correctable to 20/20 vision and a maximum blood pressure of 140/90 in a sitting position. Pilot Astronauts must have a height of between 5-foot, 4-inches and 6-foot, 4-inches.

Mission Specialist Astronauts, in association with the Space Shuttle Commander and Space Shuttle Pilot, are responsible for the coordination of Space Shuttle operations unique to each individual mission.

Mission Specialist Astronauts are typically involved in crew activity planning, management of consumable supplies, experiment operations and payload operations during each mission. Mission Specialist Astronauts are required to have a detailed knowledge of all Space Shuttle systems.

Mission Specialist Astronauts also need to have a detailed knowledge of the operational characteristics, mission requirements, objectives, supporting systems and equipment for each payload incorporated in their specific mission.

All spacewalks performed during Space Shuttle missions are performed by Mission Specialist Astronauts, who are also involved in operating the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) and in managing and performing a variety of onboard scientific experiments.

Mission Specialist Astronauts must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. This degree must be followed by at least three years of related professional experience. Advanced degrees may be used to substitute for professional experience.

Ability to pass a NASA Class II space physical is required for Mission Specialist Astronauts, which includes a minimum 20/150 uncorrected vision, correctable to 20/20 and a maximum blood pressure of 140/90 in a sitting position. Mission Specialist Astronauts must have a height of between 4-foot, 10.5-inches and 6-foot, 4-inches.

As per federal regulation, NASA is not allowed to specify an age range for astronaut candidates. In addition, NASA maintains an affirmative action program to assure that qualified minority and female candidates are selected as astronauts. NASA astronauts must be U.S. citizens.