How to Become an Astronaut: Training, Qualifications & Salary Explained

Becoming an astronaut is like journeying on an epic adventure filled with challenges and rigorous training. From mastering complex scientific concepts to enduring physical tests, the journey demands dedication and perseverance.

But once you break through Earth's atmosphere, the view, the weightlessness, and the sheer awe of space make every sacrifice worth it. It's not just a career; it's a lifelong dream fulfilled, where every moment is a testament to human potential and exploration.

Read through the article to learn how to become an astronaut.

An astronaut is an individual trained to travel into space aboard a spacecraft and conduct scientific experiments. They work towards the goal of successfully carrying out a space mission.

The term ‘astronaut’ is derived from the Greek words ‘ástron’ and ‘nautes, ' which mean ‘star sailor. ' In Russia, an astronaut is known as a ‘Cosmonaut’ and a ‘Taikonaut’ in China.

Yuri Gagarin from the Soviet Union was the first astronaut to go into space on April 12, 1961.

As of November 7, 2023, 676 people have journeyed to space by the U.S. definition, which considers an altitude of 50 miles (80 km). Of these astronauts, 643 have reached the internationally recognised Kármán line at 100 km (62 miles) [1].

The majority of astronauts complete their journey with at least one orbit around Earth, while some venture beyond Earth orbit.

Astronauts are categorised into three types based on their roles and responsibilities.

1. Commander or Pilot Astronauts

These astronauts are trained to command, pilot, and operate spacecraft. The pilot astronaut takes charge of overall mission success, safety, and navigation.

2. Mission Specialist Astronauts

Mission specialists focus on specific tasks during space missions. They handle scientific experiments, spacewalks (extravehicular activities), and other mission objectives.

3. Payload Specialist Astronauts

These astronauts are experts in specific payloads or equipment carried on the spacecraft. They contribute specialized knowledge to ensure successful mission outcomes.

Astronauts explore the cosmos, conduct scientific experiments, and witness breathtaking views of Earth from space. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, monitoring spacecraft systems, and executing missions assigned by space agencies.

A typical day of an astronaut aboard the station starts with breakfast and personal hygiene routines, setting the stage for a day of cosmic adventure. After checking the day's agenda, the crew take their blood samples for analysis, ensuring their health is suitable for the challenges ahead.

But it's not all work and no play! Before diving into their experiments, the crew hits the treadmill and exercise bike, keeping their bodies in peak condition amidst the weightless wonders of space.

After a quick recharge, it's back to the grind – maintaining the station, pushing the boundaries of science with groundbreaking research, and tidying up after their experiments. But even in the vast expanse of space, there's always time for a quick check of the air pressure and a few laps on the treadmill to keep spirits high.

Evenings are for relaxation and planning for the next day's activities. And on weekends, they tackle the ever-growing to-do list, ensuring the station stays shipshape for the cosmic journey ahead.

Training of prospective NASA astronauts takes place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, lasting one to two years. ISRO provides training in their Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. In the Russian space program, cosmonauts undergo rigorous physical and mental training at the Yury Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.

Countries like Europe, Japan, and Canada also have astronaut training programs. The training to become an astronaut generally includes the following.

• Astronaut training covers spacecraft systems, navigation, survival techniques, orbital dynamics, and scientific disciplines.
• Survival skills on land and at sea are taught.
• Training includes familiarisation with space suits and operating in weightlessness. 
• Longer missions focus on general spaceflight skills and problem-solving.
• Overall, training prepares astronauts for the challenges of space travel, from technical aspects to adapting to different environments.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was founded on 15th August 1969 to start an independent space research program. The organisation has a few qualification criteria for candidates wanting to become an ISRO astronaut.

• The person must be an Indian citizen.
• Should have a bachelor’s degree in fields like Physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science or mathematics.
• Must hold a doctorate or a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering or aerospace engineering.
• Should have professional experience of flying aircraft with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Must pass a series of physical fitness tests, medical and psychological tests, and space simulations and undergo rigorous training.
• The candidate must be between the ages of 27 and 37.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) officially began its operations on 1st October 1958. The astronauts of NASA have been travelling to space for over six decades and have been staying there since 2000 to conduct experiments.

NASA hire astronauts every four years. To become a NASA astronaut, one must meet the following qualifications and requirements.

• The person must be a U.S. citizen.
• The person should have a master’s degree in a STEM field, such as engineering, physical science, biological science, computer science or mathematics.
• Alternative to the master’s degree requirement, the person:
  1. Must have two years of work experience toward a doctoral program in a related field, including science, technology, engineering, or math.
  2. Must have a completed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
  3. Must have completed a nationally recognised test pilot school program.
• At least two years of relevant professional experience obtained after degree completion.
• A minimum of 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.
• Should pass the physical test of NASA long-duration flight astronauts.
• Must have skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Becoming an astronaut is a remarkable journey that combines excitement and challenges. Years of intensive training, dedication, resilience, and a passion for exploration get them to their dream job in the world’s renowned space agencies like NASA, ISRO, ESA, JAXA and more.

According to the Economic Research Institutes (ERI), the average salary of an Astronaut in India is ₹1,023,569 a year. The average salary of a NASA astronaut is around $87,000 per year [2].