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What It Takes to Be an Astronaut Mission Specialist

Astronaut Jeff Williams takes a spacewalk on August 19, 2016, to install an international docking adapter. NASA
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The profile of an astronaut has broadened beyond the traditional military jet pilot, now including candidates from diverse professional backgrounds and international space agencies.
  • Essential qualifications involve specific physical parameters (height, correctable 20/20 vision, excellent health), practical skills like swimming, survival training, and mechanical aptitude, and at least a bachelor's degree with significant professional experience and achievements.
  • Aspiring astronauts should focus on higher education, achieving professional excellence, and acquiring practical skills, as both traditional space agencies and commercial companies are actively recruiting for future missions.
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Once upon a time, there were just a few good men — all of them military jet pilots — who could qualify to become astronauts. They were considered to be endowed with what author Tom Wolfe characterized as “the right stuff.” That was then.

Amy Laboda

Amy Laboda began flying in 1978 and is a flight instructor, with credentials that range from a gyroplane rating to an airline transport pilot certificate.

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