Do you have the Right Stuff to #BeAnAstronaut?

Then we may have space for you.

Between Dec.14, 2015, and mid-Feb. 2016, NASA will be accepting “astronaut candidate” applications with the selection announcement targeted for mid-2017.

Currently there are 47 U.S. astronauts, but more are needed for future missions on humankind’s greatest adventure yet—to discover more about the origins of our universe and benefit people on Earth.

While continuing a 15-year presence on the International Space Station (ISS), the new class of space explorers may travel to and from the station on two new U.S. commercial spacecraft vehicles (Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon) for transport of crew and cargo to the space station.

And, building on NASA’s more than 50 years of human spaceflight progress, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will send humans farther into space than ever before and enable research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. The Space Launch System rocket will launch Orion and astronauts on mission to the proving ground of lunar orbit where NASA will train to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment before moving on to longer duration mission on the journey to Mars.

“This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “Those selected for this service will fly on U.S. made spacecraft from American soil, advance critical science and research aboard the International Space Station, and help push the boundaries of technology in the proving ground of deep space.”

Today’s astronauts come from varied career backgrounds—NASA has recruited doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers and a veterinarian to serve as astronauts. But there are certain prerequisites.

In addition to certain physical requirements, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics. And, since astronauts will be spending more time in space than ever before, it’s crucial that candidates can interact with people from diverse backgrounds, demonstrate they have skills outside a lab environment, and are good with their hands for operational tasks.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of America’s human space flight program,” said Brian Kelly, director of Flight Operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We encourage all qualified applicants to learn more about the opportunities for astronauts at NASA and apply to join our flight operations team.”
   
Laura Rochon

Johnson Space Center