markf%Nosc@usiiden.UUCP (06/30/85)
From: <crash!usiiden!markf@Nosc> NASA this summer will change the way in which it solicits applications for astronaut positions. * Applications from civilians will be accepted on a continuing basis beginning Aug. 1, 1985. The military service will provide nominees to NASA on an annual basis. Selection usually will be made in the spring each yr. with successful candidates reporting in the summer. * The number of candidates selected each yr. will be determined by mission requirements and the attrition rate of the astronaut corp. * Both pilots and mission specialist astronauts will be selected. Pilot astronauts are responsible for control of the Space Shuttle during launch and entry and on-orbit maneuvers. Mission specialists responsibilities include management and operation of Space Shuttle systems and support to payloads and experiment during flight. * Min Requirements Pilot: -A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, physical science, biological science or mathematics. -1,000 hours pilot in command time in jet aircraft. -ability to pass a NASA Class I flight physical. -height 64 to 76 inches. Min Req.Mission Spec: - a bachelors degree from an accredited inst. in engineering, physical sciences, biological science or math. -degree must be supplemented by three yrs. of related professional experience. Advanced degrees are desirable and may be substituted for experience. -ability to pass a NASA Class II flight physical. - height 60 to 76 inches. * NASA has an affirmative action goal of including qualified minorities and women among newly selected astronauts. For further information write -> NASA Johnson Space Center AHX/Astronaut Selection Office Houston, TX 77058 **from Intercomex Bulletin Board crash!usiiden!markf@nosc
al@aurora.UUCP (Al Globus) (09/13/85)
I recently received a request from an individual who wanted to become an astronaut. He had just received a BA, was headed towards med-school, and wanted to know what he could do to increase his chances of getting into orbit. The usenet path to his machine was impossibly long, I doubt that mail would get through, and I though the topic might be of general interest so here's my thoughts: DISCLAIMER: These are my thoughts, NOT NASA POLICY. In fact, I'm a contractor, not a NASA employee. This stuff IS ENTIRELY UNOFFICIAL. It is moderately accurate. To become a NASA astronaut you must apply as either a pilot or a mission specialist. Pilots must have a great deal of high performance jet aircraft experience. Almost the only place to get this is in the military. Mission specialist must have a BA and five years experience or equivalent graduate study. The degrees must be in a science or technical field. Applications can be sent to Johnson Space Center at any time. Unfortunately, I don't know the address. You should be able to get it by calling the public affairs office of any NASA center. The last NASA astronaut pick consisted ENTIRELY of NASA employees and military men. NASA has been, rightly, criticized for this. If you wish to complain, write your congressman. It follows that getting a job at NASA, particularly Johnson, is not a bad way to approach becoming and astronaut. Joining the military seems to work fairly well. Remember, no matter what, your chances are very small so don't do something you don't like thinking you'll get into the shuttle. Another route into orbit is to become a payload specialist. PS's are not astronauts, they fly in order to service a customer payload. To become a PS you must work for an organization that has a major payload on the shuttle. In addition, you must be able to handle that payload better than anyone else in the world, or have unusual political pull. Charles Walker, a McDonnell Douglas employee, is an example or the first; the Saudi Prince that flew an example of a mixture; and Senator watsisname an example of the last. A third route is to become a 'citizen observer', e.g., the teacher that is going to fly. NASA wants great communicators to orbit and relate the experience to the rest of use. Chances here are very slim, but you might luck out some election year. Lastly, there is an adventure travel company that is seriously persuing orbital tourism. They hope for a first flight in the mid nineties. Seats will probably cost $1,000,000 with a $50,000 deposite. I think they or someone like them just might do it. They may have to use a lottery to sell tickets though. Bottom line, if you want to go into space you will have to spend most of your professional life becoming proficient and capable at something that can be usefully done in space, be a powerful politician, or have a lot of money. And be pretty d--- lucky.