NASA accepting applications to become an astronaut

Sara Filips
·2 min read
NASA accepting applications to become an astronaut

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ever dreamed of going into space? You can apply to make that dream a reality.

NASA is officially accepting applications for astronauts.

The recruits will be a part of the Artemis Generation, a group that will explore and conduct experiments at the lunar South Pole, a place they said humans have never been.

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The company is searching for candidates with leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Other application requirements include:

  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Have a master’s degree (or have an equivalent of two years of work towards a doctoral program in a related STEM field, completed a Doctor of Medicine, osteopathic Medicine, or related medical degree, or completed, or will complete by June 2025, a nationally recognized test pilot school program) in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution

  • Have a minimum of three years of related professional experience after degree completion (or 1,000 Pilot-in-Command hours with at least 850 of those hours in high-performance jet aircraft for pilots), or for medical doctors, residency can count towards completion if completed by June 2025

  • Be able to complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical

After all candidates’ applications are reviewed, the board will invite a small group for interviews at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. If candidates pass, a second round of interviews will be conducted before NASA makes their final selections.

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When a candidate gets that one-in-a-lifetime call, they will report for training in Houston, spending the next two years learning basic astronaut skills including walking, operating the space station, flying T-38 jet planes and controlling a robotic arm, NASA said.

NASA is hopeful that their new astronauts may one day be the first humans to fly to Mars.

Since 2000, astronauts have been traveling and living in space. Now, NASA is looking to “land the first woman and the next man on the Moon.” They will send people for missions to the Moon and to Mars, using the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System.

To apply to become an astronaut, click here.

For more information, including Frequently Asked Questions, and NASA”s Guide to Becoming an Astronaut, visit nasa.gov/humans-in-space.

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