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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 modern path to becoming an astronaut has broadened significantly, no longer exclusively requiring military pilot experience but accepting diverse individuals from various backgrounds and international space agencies.
  • Aspiring astronauts must meet specific physical requirements, including height and correctable vision, maintain excellent health, and develop practical skills such as swimming, survival training, and mechanical aptitude.
  • Educationally, a minimum of a bachelor's degree and at least three years of documented professional success are essential, with many successful candidates holding advanced degrees and significant career accomplishments to compete in this highly selective field.
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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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