Astronaut Job Description

Did it ever come to you every time you look up in the sky; you imagine what other beautiful things you can see up above? Are you curious of what those things are and how they came to be? Well, the answers to these questions relate to this wonderful job that you can achieve – to become an Astronaut. What is an astronaut? What do they really do? Let us find out as we read the details below.

The Job of an Astronaut

• An astronaut typically boards a spaceship to fly on important missions for a specific purpose. As part of the crew, they have different assigned responsibilities to uphold as they aboard the spacecraft. An astronaut has various key roles to play which includes being a mission specialist to a commander. Those who have acquired years of experience and impressive background are the ones given more responsibilities to fulfill. Astronauts are also responsible to keep the safety of the whole crew and spacecraft. What they often do when they reach their destination is to observe the environment, take some essential samples from the place or bringing something back there.
• For every mission astronauts have, they must undergo training first and ensure the maintenance of their physical health as it would be a great factor for successful carrying out of missions and flying of spacecraft.

Education and Training Requirements

• The minimum requirement needed to become an astronaut is a bachelor’s degree but usually there is a specific focus preferred which is a bachelor’s degree in a space – related course which includes biology or other forms of science, math, psychology, and engineering. Most of the astronauts have advance degrees.
• The most intense part of becoming an astronaut is the training program itself. They should keep their physical shape excellent and this may be the main focus of their training. They should pass various physical examinations to be chosen for a mission. Astronauts should conform to a very strict training program which is set by NASA and it includes physical examinations, comprehension examinations, and there are also tests that would challenge their knowledge and skills in so many areas. It is very important that an astronaut must pass these examinations because this will be a basis and measure of their overall status. In addition to that, astronauts also undergo training in simulation exercises so they would feel how it is to be in space already and for preparation purposes too.

Employment and Career Development

• To be an excellent astronaut, you should perform well during the course of your education and training program. You should have a promising potential to be in the field. Though there is a tight competition to get the job, don’t lose hope because there is always a need for astronauts. Once you are in, there are wonderful opportunities for career advancement and tenure.
• Astronauts are working for long hours, especially if there is an upcoming mission; they extend their duty hours up to 100 hours a week in some cases.
• The average salary of an astronaut is roughly around $60,000. Since they can work in a variety of different positions, their salary ranges from $25,000 – $85,000 for those who are experienced and has bulk of responsibilities.

Working as an astronaut would require you to stay calm as the environment of the work force is very stressful. You should always keep in mind the safety precautions and ensure that you are mentally and physically prepared for every mission you will encounter.

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