Have you always dreamed about being an astronaut? Thanks to a heads up on Facebook and my fellow #NASASocial alumni, I was alerted that there may be a chance for all of us!
OK, maybe not all of us, but some of us!
NASA is accepting applications March 2-31, 2020 for the next class of Artemis generation astronauts!
According to the NASA press release (found here):
“As NASA prepares to launch American astronauts this year on American rockets from American soil to the International Space Station – with an eye toward the Moon and Mars – the agency is announcing it will accept applications March 2 to 31 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts.
Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 350 people to train as astronaut candidates for its increasingly challenging missions to explore space. With 48 astronauts in the active astronaut corps, more will be needed to crew spacecraft bound for multiple destinations and propel exploration forward as part of Artemis missions and beyond.
“We’re celebrating our 20th year of continuous presence aboard the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit this year, and we’re on the verge of sending the first woman and next man to the Moon by 2024,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “For the handful of highly talented women and men we will hire to join our diverse astronaut corps, it’s an incredible time in human spaceflight to be an astronaut. We’re asking all eligible Americans if they have what it to takes to apply beginning March 2.”
Maybe this opportunity is not for you, perhaps you know someone though! Here is your opportunity to help share the news and reach all of the best talent. If you feel compelled, please share this with your friends and family. We want the best and the brightest exploring space and for that to happen, the right person needs to know that now is the time to apply!
Maybe you’re like me, and thinking that you’ve missed your window and that perhaps you’re too old and or do not have the skill set needed. A variety of skills are needed in space, don’t count yourself out just yet! As for age, good news… There are no age restrictions! Astronaut candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34. More info on that can be found here.
The basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship and a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, from an accredited institution. The requirement for the master’s degree can also be met by:
- Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work toward a Ph.D. program in a related science, technology, engineering or math field;
- A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree;
- Completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
Candidates also must have at least two years of related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astronaut candidates must pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical.
Americans may apply to #BeAnAstronaut at:
So what are you waiting for? Shoot your shot! What if it doesn’t just have to be a dream?
NASA expects to select the new class of astronaut candidates in mid-2021 to begin training as the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts.
For more information about a career as a NASA astronaut, and application requirements, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts
If you are thinking of a space career, another option could be Astroid Hunter…. check this out if you are interested!
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