Qualifications

Qualifications for a Pilot Astronaut

The basic requirements to a pilot astronaut candidate are:

1. Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Candidates should have at least three years of related progressively responsible professional experience after receiving the degree. An advanced degree would be preferred.
2. It is essential for pilot astronauts to have at least 1,000 hours of experience in jet aircraft as pilot-in-command. Flight test experience would be desired.
3. All these candidates are required to pass a NASA Class I space physical examination. These examinations are alike the civilian and military flight examinations. The examination includes specific standards, which are
• Distant visual acuity: 20/50 or better uncorrected correctable to 20/20, each eye.
• Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position.
• Height: between 64 and 76 inches.

4. The candidates should be US citizens (applicable for US astronauts only)

Qualifications for Mission Specialists

The basic requirements for mission specialists are as follows,

1. Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Candidates should have at least three years of related progressively responsible, professional experience after receiving the degree. An advanced degree would be preferred and can be substituted for a part or for the entire experience requirement. (Master's degree=1 year while doctoral degree=3 years).
2. These candidates are required to pass a NASA Class II space physical examination. These examinations are alike the civilian and military flight examinations. The examination include specific standards, which are;

   •  Distant visual acuity: 20/100 or better uncorrected correctable to 20/20, each eye.

   •  Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position.

   •  Height: between 58.5 and 76 inches.

3. Candidates should have a US citizenship.

Qualifications for Payload Specialists

Payload Specialists are usually foreign nationals. The requirements for mission specialists are

•  These candidates have to pass a NASA Class II space physical examination. These examinations are alike the civilian and military flight examinations. The examination include specific standards, which are:

•  Distant visual acuity: 20/100 or better uncorrected correctable to 20/20, each eye.

•  Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in sitting position.

•  Height: between 58.5 and 76 inches

Educational Requirements

All candidates should satisfy the basic education requirements for NASA engineering and scientific positions. The candidates should hold a degree in engineering and various sciences for being eligible to be a part of the Astronaut Training Program.

However, degrees in the following subjects are not considered qualifying:

•  Degrees in technology (Engineering Technology, Aviation Technology, Medical Technology, etc.)

•  Degrees in Psychology (except for Clinical Psychology, Physiological Psychology, or Experimental Psychology which are qualifying).

•  Degree in Nursing.

•  Degrees in social sciences (Geography, Anthropology, Archaeology, etc.)

•  Degrees in Aviation, Aviation Management or similar fields.