Astronaut
What's In Store For You!
How Much Will You Be Getting!
Working Conditions
How Many Hours Will You Be Getting!
Education and Training
Advantages
Disadvantages
Future Of Astronauts
Ways To Become An Astronaut
Interesting Astronaut Links
An astronaut is an adventurous career for many reasons. But the most obvious one is that it is a career that not many people are able to obtain. However, the select few that do get the privilege to be an Astronaut definitely have a career that is new and exciting each and everyday. Plus the fact that they get to be "famous" for their space travel.
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The starting salary for astronauts is $45,000 a year. The experienced astronauts will get form $52,000 to $80,000 each year. In addition, Astronauts also receive health care, paid vacations along with plans for retirement and insurance coverage.
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Astronauts do there"job" in various places, from classrooms to space craft. The working conditions usually aren't bad, though. The only problem would be if one was claustrophobic, however, if a person had claustrophobia they would be pursuing the wrong occupation.
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A week of work hours can be anywhere from 60 to 70 hours. But during flights it can reach 100 hours.
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All Astronauts most have a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields including the following: biological sciences, physical science, mathematics, or engineering. Degrees that are advanced also is suggested. They have to pass a vision test and a physical. Then they are interviewed by a panel. The ones that make it as candidates are then trained for one year. They evaluate the candidates, and the chosen are officially Astronauts.
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Astronauts get the thrill of being a hero to the country or even the world. This alone is a great advantage. They also receive the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge of space scientifically.
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There are a few disadvantage that go along with the thrill of being an Astronaut. He or she has to dedicate many hours to their work. They may have a 10 to 12 hour work days. Astronauts can be stressed out a lot from the pressures put on from NASA. Because an Astronaut may be gone for a week or more at a time it is often very difficult to have a stable family life.
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The outlook on the job market for the future of Astronauts is probably pretty promising. The field of science is always growing and there is always more that can be discovered in space.
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People can apply at any time that they wish to become an Astronaut. They have to apply to NASA for a position. Usually candidates are chosen only about every
years, so the competition is tough. A good way to try to enter is to join in the military and apply trough the military.
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This page was created by Erin Stinson and last modified on August 15, 1996.