How to become astronauts

Ask any child what he wants to be when he grows up, and chances are you'll hear "astronaut". For decades, the dream of space inspire people of all ages. How can actually become astronauts in the US?

NASA List of minimum requirements to applicant includes education bachelor's and medical examinations. But in 2016 from more than 18,300 applicants only 120 were invited for an interview. So if you want to become an astronaut, you definitely need to have additional skills to increase their chances. We can not guarantee you participate in the first manned flight to Mars, but we have gathered together tips that will tell you where to start.

Caption image: NASA Astronaut Team of the Year 2017, from left to right: Xena Kardman, Jasmine Mogbeli Johnny Kim, Francisco Rubio, Matthew Dominic Warren Hoburgs Robb Kulin, Kyle Barron, Robert Hines, Raj Chari, Loral O'Hara and Jessica Watkins .

What does NASA's

NASA's manager for astronaut selection Ann Romer and astronaut Shannon Walker answered some questions about astronaut recruitment process in 2016. "We've had astronauts with a variety of the past - from the veteran oceanographer to military test-pilots, doctors, etc..." - they say. But not everyone has a diploma of education of equal value, and also, according to Walker, the experience gained after graduation, no less important.

Anne continued: "NASA is looking for people savvy not only in their field, but who have a variety of skills and interests. A wealth of experience will be beneficial to distinguish your resume. We need people with a wide range of skills. Additional skills can potentially become your trump card, but it depends on how well you apply them to their basic education. " Walker added that was not successful on the first try, but tried again and again. "I applied for five times before I was chosen. At 94, 96, 98, 2000 and 2004. Every time I was called in for an interview. No matter how many times you podaosh application. people are required each time with a different set of skills. "

Flight Engineer ISS 52 Randolph Breznik shows the width of the simulator "Union" July 6, 2017 in the Cosmonaut Training Center Gagarin in Star City.

A sharp mind

Courage, charm, smartness, patience and sense of humor - these are just some of the qualities that today NASA is looking at an astronaut. the selection of candidates, the Commission determines whether or not you can easily uzhivotes in the team. This requires to be friendly and able to joke.

"It comes down to how much you will make a positive impression on the commission" - says former astronaut Tom Jones. "Within an hour, they assess you and decide whether you are the person that others will want to work together."

It is not enough to show his friendliness only in English. NASA astronauts are also required to learn Russian. "The program for this is taken very seriously, because you have to reach such a level that, if, God forbid, an accident will panic negotiations on Russian radio", - says Canadian astronaut and physician David Saint-Jacques. "You should really be fluent in the language to be useful in this situation."

Pro Tips

To learn many of the skills it takes years, so it is important to start as soon as possible. Canadian astronaut Christopher Hadfield explained on Reddit site some starting positions. "In order to become an astronaut, I recommend three things: keep the health of the body, get a good technical education and learn how to make difficult decisions and stick with them," - he wrote. "Learn another language, learn how to fly, scuba diving, get medical training, always strive to explore new things. There is no single way to become an astronaut. The best thing you can do - is to train yourself to enjoy the development of new skills as a result of defining who you are. " Perhaps most importantly, do not be nervous.

"Astronauts NASA" confident and are in good shape, "- says astronomer Michelle Williams, repeatedly met with the astronauts. "In my opinion, there is nothing supernatural, it's just people who do extraordinary work. Guys with whom I met were very nice, very interested in their work and share with other enthusiastically. And yes, some of them were quite funny. "

Oh, and one more thing. Do not think that all the seats are already occupied. According to former astronaut Dr. Jamison May, as the proliferation of space research opportunities to work in space will be expanded. "The world is ready to open up to those who go into space as professionals. People will work in commercial companies on a par with the state structures. They need science education, physical health, flexibility, ability to work in a team and enthusiasm in overcoming new heights. "