#AskNASA┃ How Can I Be An Astronaut?

TL;DR

NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli answers questions about the upcoming astronaut application process and shares insights on astronaut training and experiences.

Transcript

Hi, I'm Jasmin Moghbeli. I'm a NASA astronaut and this is #AskNASA. NASA will be opening its applications for more astronauts on March 2nd through March 31st. So, we've got a bunch of questions related to that. What is this online assessment about? It's testing things like your aptitude and skills to make sure earlier in the process that you have w... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🚀 NASA is accepting astronaut applications from March 2nd to March 31st, with an online assessment to evaluate candidates' skills and aptitude.
• 🤱 A master's degree in a STEM field is required, but certain degrees like nursing or psychology are not considered qualifying degrees.
• 🎟️ Astronauts are excited about the Artemis mission, which will enable human exploration of the Moon and serve as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars.
• 🧑‍🚀 Astronaut training involves activities like spacewalk practice and flying in jets for launch simulations.
• 👨‍🚀 Physical fitness is crucial for astronauts to successfully perform spacewalks and withstand the demands of space travel.
• 🫵 The astronaut application process is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots.
• 💦 Working at NASA creates opportunities to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, mission control operators, and support personnel.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the online assessment for astronaut applications?

The online assessment evaluates aptitude and skills early in the application process to ensure candidates have the necessary qualifications to become NASA astronauts.

Q: What degrees are required to become a NASA astronaut?

A master's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is necessary. However, degrees in nursing, psychology, exercise physiology, or social sciences do not count.

Q: Can you share some of the training activities astronauts undergo?

Astronauts spend the first two years purely on training, which includes activities like practicing spacewalks in neutral buoyancy labs and flying in jets for launch simulations.

Q: Why do astronauts need to pass a physical examination?

Astronauts undergo physical training to ensure they are in their best physical condition for spacewalks, launches, and flying in jets. The spacesuit itself is physically demanding, requiring extra strength and coordination to navigate in a microgravity environment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA will be accepting astronaut applications from March 2nd to March 31st, with an online assessment testing aptitude and skills.

• A master's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is required, while degrees in nursing, psychology, exercise physiology, or social sciences do not count.

• Astronauts are excited about the Artemis mission, which aims to send humans back to the Moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars.