Career guidance to become an astronaut for NASA

Asked by: Guest - 29 Apr 16

I am about to complete my schooling and much interested in joining NASA as an astronaut. Please guide me with the career path to fulfill my ambition.

Our expert said - 29 Apr 16

NASA is a much reputed organization which prefers candidates who are highly qualified, though they may be civilian or military personnel. Selection into NASA has a few requirements:

1. Qualification - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in engineering, biological sciences, physical science or mathematics. Certain degrees related to engineering and sciences are not found qualifying. Please check NASA guidelines for details.
2. Experience – At least 3 years of related, progressively responsible, professional experience is mandatory; or 1000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet airways.
3. Desirable qualification – Advanced degree. This requirement can be substituted by certain parameters like master’s degree is considered equivalent to 1 year of working experience, Doctoral degree to 3 years experience and teachers with teaching experience at K-12 levels are desired.
4. The eligible candidates require to pass the NASA physical test which is the long-duration space flight
5. Candidates are then required to pass their medical fitness as per their marked parameters.

To start with the graduation in this direction, the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore provides the undergraduate course, Bachelor of Science (Research) program. Candidates need to clear entrance like IIT-JEE (Advanced), KVPY or AIPMT to gain admission to this institution in UG program.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore provides the Integrated M.Sc-PhD in physics and astrophysics, and Integrated M.Tech-PhD (Tech) in astronomical Instrumentation. Candidates need to clear entrance like IIA screening test, Graduate Aptitude Test in engineering (GATE) to gain entrance in PG courses.

For the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), candidates need to appear for the UGC-CSIR / NET exam and then pass the personal interview as well.