What are the physical requirements to become as Astronaut?

Question

So I am currently a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering, and I want to become an Astronaut. I was just curious what the requirements to join the NASA program. I have also had 20/20 vision, and while I was in high school I was very active playing varsity basketball for 3 years as well as other sports. I had an overall GPA of 3.1 for my freshman year, however as many freshman I gained the "freshman 15" with the occasional party and unhealthy eating habits. I was just curious on what the exact physical requirements that I would need to have to get into the astronaut training program. Also any additional info on the astronaut program would be helpful as of GPA requirements, any additional classes, pilots license, etc..

Answer 1

NASA candidacy requirements

Be citizens of the United States.

Pass a strict physical examination, and have a near and distant visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Blood pressure, while sitting, must be no greater than 140 over 90.

Commander and Pilot

A bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics is required, and a graduate degree is desired, although not essential.

At least 1,000 hours flying time as Pilot-in-Command in jet aircraft. Experience as a test pilot is desirable.

Height must be 5 ft 4 in to 6 ft 4 in (1.63 to 1.93 m).

Mission Specialist

Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics, as well as at least three years of related professional experience.

Applicant's height must be 5 ft 2 in to 6 ft 4 in (1.57 to 1.93 m).

Answer 2

Reasonable physical fitness of course, but you don't need to be a superman.  And being very small.  It costs about a million bucks more to get a 121kg guy like me into orbit than somebody light and wiry.  In 1978 the Russians invited UK citizens to apply to join one of their space crews.  The successful applicant was a lady in her twenties who worked as a food technologist.  You needed UK citizenship, a science degree and physical fitness to apply.  Oh yeah, and either Russian language or a proven ability to learn foreign languages quickly.But I wouldn't even have been able to get through the hatch of their vehicle with a space suit on.  The minimum qualifications for a space shuttle pilot are surprisingly low; a science degree and a commercial pilot's licence.  But of course they get so many applicants that they can afford to be choosy.  Most astronauts either have PhDs or fighter pilot backgrounds.  Yuri Gagarin was a fighter pilot.  Neil Armstrong became a university professor.  Krista McAuliffe was an ordinary teacher but she had an impeccable CV.  I suggest you get a private pilot's license and some scientific qualifications and keep your weight down.  I remember watching a live broadcast of these astronauts on the Moon.  One of them had a military flying background, but you'd have thought he was a geologist to hear him talking about his rock samples.  Good luck.

Answer 3

If you want to be pickable by NASA, you'll likely want a PhD in engineering, etc.  That is you'll need skills they want.

But there's another way.  You could save your pennies.  You may be able to hitch a ride for 20-30 million dollars.  Likely as not, the longer you wait, the cheaper it will be.