Do you remember the Science class when you learnt about the Solar System and planets? How fascinating was it? That was the time most of us dreamt of becoming astronauts. Did you also dream of becoming an astronaut? Well, you are very close to achieving that dream of yours.
If you are someone who loves to gaze at the sky and are curious to know why some celestial events take place and want to learn more about it, then this field is exactly what you should be looking for.
Read this blog to know more about how to become an astronaut, the skills you need, what you should study, and much more!
Who Is An Astronaut?
An astronaut is a person who has been trained, equipped, and deployed as a commander or crew member aboard a spacecraft by a human spaceflight program is an astronaut.
Generally, any person who has traveled to space is known as an astronaut. Although professionally speaking, if you want to become an astronaut, there’s a lot more to it than just being trained.
How To Become An Astronaut?
Step 1: Stream Selection
If you want to become an astronaut, you must opt for Science after you complete the 10th grade. This is because you need to take Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
Step 2: Certificate and Project Courses
Certificate Courses To Become An Astronaut
Course Name | College | Duration |
Digitalization in Aeronautics and Space | Technische Universität München | 3-6 months |
The Science of the Solar System | Caltech | 1-3 months |
The Brain and Space | Duke University | 1-3 months |
A Brief History of Human Spaceflight | University of Houston | 1-3 months |
Digitalization in Space Research | Technische Universität München | 1-4 weeks |
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Step 3: Educational Qualification
How To Become An Astronaut After 10th
After your 10th year, you must enroll in a science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as your core courses. Get your Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university after that. You can study things like biology, algebra, physics, and chemistry.
How To Become An Astronaut After 12th
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or college is required in the field of Computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, or biology. Applicants must have a cumulative score of 65 percent or a CGPA / CPI of at least 6.84 on a 10-point scale.
You can also aim to pursue your Masters’s degree or Ph.D. later in the relevant field.
How To Become An Astronaut In India?
If you want to know more about how to become an Astronaut, here is a list of a few undergraduate degrees you can pursue in India.
Undergraduate Courses For Astronauts In India
Courses | Duration |
B.Tech Aerospace Engineering | 4 years |
BSc Astrophysics | 3 years |
B. Tech Aeronautical Engineering | 4 years |
Top Colleges To Become An Astronaut In India
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- Indian Institute of Technology
- Amity University
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
- IITs
How To Become An Astronaut Abroad?
If you want to know more about how to become an Astronaut, here is a list of a few undergraduate degrees you can pursue abroad.
Undergraduate Courses For Astronauts Abroad
Courses | Duration |
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics | 3 years |
Bachelor of Science- major astrophysics | 3 years |
Bachelor of Science in Physics | 3-4 years |
Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics | 3 years |
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy | 3 years |
Top Colleges To Become An Astronaut Abroad
- The University of California, Berkeley
- University of Washington
- University of Texas
- Stanford University
- Auburn University
- United States Military Academy
- United States Naval Academy
- University of Cambridge
- Leiden University
- University of Toronto
- University of Oxford
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Step 4: Job Preparation
Gain relevant work experience
Apart from education, you need to have relevant experience to become an astronaut. Many candidates who pursue to become astronauts should have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience or 1,000 hours of piloting.
Maintain your physical and mental health
You go through rigorous training for long hours. Therefore, you must prioritize your physical and mental health. You will not be able to survive there unless you are physically and mentally fit. If you want to be picked for the comprehensive and difficult training program, you should maintain good health, stay fit, and be focused. As a result, to pursue a profession in space research, make sure you have good health and develop strong mental strength.
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Skills Required To Become An Astronaut
Here are a few skills that you need to possess in order to become an Astronaut:
- Getting used to being weightless/walking in space
- Piloting experience in a jet aircraft
- The ability to use robotic arms
- Refusing to be discouraged by rejection
- Multitasking abilities that are second to none
- Must have excellent vision
- Being the appropriate height
- Strengthening the core
- Having knowledge of maintenance and repair
- Being able to deal with a variety of situations
- Ability to handle pressure
- Swimming skills are required
How Much Do Astronauts Earn In India?
Astronauts in India are paid on a commission basis for the fifth pay. ISRO scientists, physicists, and engineers earn between 42 lakh and 92 lakh per year. Being an astronaut has numerous benefits. One of them is a good lifestyle and salary. Once you get into places like NASA and ISRO, there are various designations to choose from, and your compensation is determined by which one you hold.
Salary is usually determined by a person’s skills, experience, and accomplishments. Other services like medical care, travel allowance, insurance, and housing are available to them for a healthy and comfortable existence.
How Much Do Astronauts Earn Abroad?
Country | Salary |
USA | $104,898 |
UK | £105,332 |
Canada | C$70,962 |
Australia | AU$92,244 |
New Zealand | NZ$78,347 |
Top Recruiters In India
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Top Recruiters Abroad
- United States Naval Academy
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- The United States Air Force Academy
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
That’s all you needed to know. We hope this blog answered all your questions about being an astronaut and helped you understand everything you needed to know about how to become an astronaut, what skills are required, what you should study, and a lot more. Good luck!
FAQ
How can I become an Astronaut after 12th in ISRO?
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree in math’s, engineering, computer, or physical science. A 65 percent overall grade point average is required. A minimum of 1,000 flight hours or three years of professional experience are needed.
Which degree is best for becoming an Astronaut in India?
Future Indian astronauts will benefit from candidates with degrees in aeronautical engineering or aerospace engineering. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Geology), engineering, technology, and mathematics are prerequisites for students.
How much does it cost to become an Astronaut in India?
Depending on the college and the course is chosen, the cost of an astronaut course may change. The average cost of an astronaut course in India is between 2 and 5 lakh rupees annually.
Can Indians become astronauts in NASA?
As a matter of policy, NASA only employs Americans as employees. However, a few exceptions do apply to various programs. However, Foreign – Indian nationals can easily obtain a position in the field of life sciences at any of NASA’s International Space Partners (ISP), which include: (AEB). To apply for the program through NASA, you must be a citizen of the United States; individuals with legal U.S. dual citizenship are also eligible. It is not advised that you change your nationality just to qualify for the Astronaut Candidate Program.
Is being an astronaut a good career in India?
The benefits of being an astronaut are numerous. One of them is good pay and a way of life. There are numerous designations available once you enter the centers like NASA AND ISRO, and your income will depend on which designation you have there. For the fifth pay, astronauts in India receive commission-based payments.
Is it hard to become an astronaut?
One of the most difficult programs to complete, astronaut training is also one of the most difficult to plan. This is due to the high level of coordination required by the decentralized training provided by all the worldwide partners taking part in the ISS program.
How long does it take to become an astronaut?
The equivalent of ten years. Four years are spent in education, two years are spent earning a master’s degree, two years are spent gaining work experience, and the final two years are spent in the NASA Astronaut Corps.
How much does an astronaut earn?
In India, the average gross income for an astronaut is ₹7,52,926.
What does an astronaut do?
Conducting scientific research and space station maintenance are an astronaut’s principal responsibilities while in orbit. A lot of what astronauts do when not working is similar to what we do here on Earth. In order to stay in shape, astronauts also engage in a daily, two-hour exercise routine.
Do I need to give an entrance exam to become an astronaut?
If you want to work in India, you need to take the Joint Entrance Exam by IIT to join ISRO. In case you want to work abroad and wish to join NASA, you will have to take their entrance exam and can get employed there.