• Question: What qualifications do you need to become a astronaut?

    Asked by anon-294822 to Jamil on 13 Jun 2021.
    • Photo: Jamil Jubrail

      Jamil Jubrail answered on 18 May 2021:

      Hi Kerr! You would need GCSE and A Level qualifications and then the rest depends on which agency you work for. But you would need an engineering or science degree more than likely and experience in jet aircraft. On top of this I believe you need excellent physical health which will be tested by the agency you work for.

Comments

  • Photo: Jennifer

    Jennifer commented on :

    Hi Kerr, you need all your normal science qualifications, GCSEs, A-Levels and degrees. Then it depends on the role you will have, like pilots are often in the armed forces, and payload specialists are normally experts in their fields that then get to do experiments in space. You also have to be pretty healthy because there isn’t a hospital nearby!

  • Photo: Deborah

    Deborah commented on :

    Hello Kerr,

    To become an astronaut, candidates must normally have a degree at Masters level or, preferably, a doctorate in a natural science subject, medicine, engineering, information technology or mathematics (STEM field). It’s worth noting that NASA typically receives applications from candidates with related professional experience after degree completion in a STEM field or with at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.

    Best wishes,
    Dr Deborah

    MSci Applied Mathematics & Physics, PhD in Astrophysics