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Astronaut

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Imagine floating in space, looking down at our amazing planet. That is what an astronaut gets to do! An astronaut is a highly trained person who travels into space, often to conduct scientific research and experiments aboard spacecraft like the International Space Station (ISS). They learn how to fly complex machines, maintain equipment in zero gravity, and perform scientific tasks that help us understand more about Earth, space, and the human body. Astronauts need to be super clever in science and maths, very fit and healthy, and excellent at working as part of a team, often in very challenging conditions far from home. Being an astronaut involves years of intense training, learning everything from how to deal with emergencies in space to speaking different languages, like Russian, to communicate with international partners. They might also train for spacewalks, which are incredibly exciting but also very dangerous. It is a career that requires extreme dedication, a thirst for adventure, and a deep interest in science and exploration. While it is a very rare job, especially for someone from the UK, it is a dream career for many and incredibly important for advancing human knowledge.

Astronaut

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📊 Statistics

Number of UK Astronauts

Currently, there are only a handful of British astronauts who have flown to space. The European Space Agency (ESA) selects astronauts from its member states, including the UK, and typically only a very small number are chosen from thousands of applicants during each selection process.

Astronaut Salary (ESA)

While there are no specific UK-only astronaut salaries, astronauts working for the European Space Agency (ESA), which includes British astronauts, typically earn between approximately 5,200 to 8,000 euros gross per month, depending on their experience level. This is roughly 4,400 to 6,800 pounds per month.

Application Success Rate

Becoming an astronaut is incredibly competitive. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021, over 22,500 people applied, and only 17 were chosen for the astronaut and reserve astronaut programme. This shows it is one of the toughest careers to get into!

🚀 Careers in this path

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Aerospace Engineer

If you love the idea of space travel, you could design and build rockets, satellites, and spacecraft right here on Earth. You'd work on making sure everything flies safely and efficiently, planning missions and testing equipment.

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Astronomer

Instead of going to space, you could study it from the ground! Astronomers use powerful telescopes and computers to learn about stars, planets, galaxies, and the whole universe. You'd analyse data and try to understand how everything works out there.

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Pilot for Space Missions

While becoming an astronaut is tough, you could aim to be a pilot who trains for future space missions, or even flies special aircraft that help astronauts train. You'd need excellent flying skills and a deep understanding of aviation.

Build a Strong Foundation

Excel in STEM Subjects

Focus on doing really well in Maths, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), and Technology subjects at school. These are the building blocks for understanding space and how rockets work.

At GCSE level, aim for high grades in subjects like Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. For A-levels, strong choices would include Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and potentially Chemistry or Engineering. These subjects will give you the essential problem-solving skills and scientific knowledge needed for any space-related career.

Develop Physical Fitness

Astronauts need to be very fit and healthy. Start an exercise routine that includes cardiovascular activities (like running or swimming) and strength training to build stamina and strength.

Participate in sports teams or join clubs that promote physical activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Astronauts undergo rigorous physical training to prepare for the demands of spaceflight, including coping with zero gravity and high G-forces during launch and re-entry. Aim for good overall health and fitness, including good eyesight and hearing.

Learn a Second Language

It's really useful to learn another language, especially Russian, as international space missions often involve talking to colleagues from different countries.

Russian is particularly important because it is used alongside English as an official language on the International Space Station (ISS) and for Soyuz spacecraft operations. Other languages like French, German, or Mandarin could also be beneficial, showing adaptability and a global mindset. Learning a new language also develops cognitive skills useful for complex problem-solving.

Higher Education and Experience

Earn a Relevant University Degree

Go to university and get a degree in a 'STEM' field like Engineering (especially Aeronautical or Mechanical), Physics, Computer Science, or even Medicine. A Masters or PhD can be a big advantage.

Most astronauts hold at least a Master's degree, and many have PhDs, in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline. Look for universities with strong research programmes in aerospace, physics, or related fields. Excellent academic performance at this level is crucial and will demonstrate your intellectual capability and dedication.

Gain Practical Experience

After your degree, try to get at least three years of professional experience in your chosen field. This could be as a pilot, an engineer, a scientist, or even a doctor.

For example, becoming a test pilot for high-performance aircraft, working as an engineer on spacecraft design, conducting research in a top scientific laboratory, or practicing as a surgeon. The key is to gain hands-on experience in a field that requires precision, problem-solving, and critical thinking, often in high-pressure environments.

Develop Leadership and Teamwork

Astronauts work in small teams in challenging environments. Look for opportunities to lead projects, work effectively in a team, and learn to communicate clearly under pressure.

Join clubs, volunteer for leadership roles, or participate in team-based activities. Showing that you can work well with others, solve problems collaboratively, and lead when necessary is vital. Astronaut selection committees look for individuals with strong interpersonal skills, who can remain calm and effective in isolated and stressful situations.

Astronaut Selection and Training

Apply for Astronaut Selection

Keep an eye on announcements from space agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) or NASA when they open applications for new astronaut candidates. These opportunities don't come around very often!

Astronaut selection rounds are highly competitive and infrequent. When they do open, ensure you meet all the specified requirements regarding age, education, professional experience, and medical standards. Prepare a very strong application that highlights your unique skills, experiences, and motivation for becoming an astronaut.

Undergo Rigorous Selection Process

If your application is successful, you'll go through tough tests, including medical checks, psychological assessments, interviews, and practical tasks to see if you have what it takes.

The selection process can last for many months and involves multiple stages designed to assess not only your physical and mental resilience but also your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and reaction to stress. Candidates will face tests of their scientific knowledge, technical skills, and ability to handle complex simulations.

Complete Astronaut Training

If you're chosen, you'll spend several years in intensive training, learning everything from how to fly spacecraft to doing spacewalks and living in zero gravity.

Training includes learning about spacecraft systems (like the Soyuz or International Space Station), spacewalk procedures, survival training, robotics, geology, and advanced medical skills. You'll also spend time in simulations, neutral buoyancy labs (to simulate weightlessness), and learn Russian. This training prepares you for every aspect of a space mission, ensuring you are fully competent and resilient.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Astronaut. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this career by applying directly.

Direct Application

You can apply for astronaut training with the European Astronaut Corps or with NASA.

You need to be between 27 and 37 years old and able to speak English fluently. It'll be helpful if you can also speak basic Russian because it's spoken with English on the International Space Station.

You'll have an advantage if you're a pilot with at least 1,000 hours of flying experience in a high performance aircraft like a fighter jet.

You'll also need a degree and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject like:

  • biology, chemistry or physics
  • engineering
  • medicine
  • aeronautics
  • mathematics

You must hold US citizenship or US dual-citizenship to become an astronaut with NASA.

More Information

Career tips

There's only a small number of astronaut training places available and there's a lot of competition for them.

You'll need to do rigorous physical and psychological testing as part of the application process so you'll need to maintain excellent health and endurance.

Further information

You can discover more about how to become an astronaut from:

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