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Astronaut

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Becoming an astronaut is an extraordinarily challenging and prestigious career path, requiring a unique blend of intellectual prowess, physical fitness, and psychological resilience. In the UK, most aspiring astronauts would aim for selection by the European Space Agency (ESA), which recruits individuals from its member states. The role involves conducting scientific experiments, maintaining spacecraft systems, performing spacewalks, and working as part of an international team in extreme environments. Astronauts spend years in rigorous training, mastering complex scientific and engineering disciplines, as well as developing advanced medical, survival, and language skills. They must be prepared for long periods away from home, intense pressure, and the inherent risks of space travel. It is a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration. Successful candidates typically possess advanced degrees in scientific, engineering, or medical fields, often with significant professional experience as test pilots, engineers, scientists, or doctors. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work effectively under pressure are paramount. Astronauts must also demonstrate exceptional teamwork and leadership qualities, as well as a high level of physical fitness and mental fortitude. The application process is incredibly competitive, involving multiple stages of psychological, medical, and technical assessments, culminating in a selection that identifies individuals with the rare combination of attributes required for space exploration.

Astronaut

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📊 Statistics

Salary Range

Salaries for European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts typically start around 5,200 euros per month (approximately 4,400 GBP) for new recruits (A2 grade) and can rise to over 8,400 euros per month (approximately 7,100 GBP) for experienced astronauts (A4 grade), depending on experience and grade. These figures are subject to change and exchange rate fluctuations.

Number of UK Astronauts

The UK has had a small number of astronauts. As of recent times, Tim Peake is the most prominent British astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA). ESA astronaut selections are highly competitive and infrequent, with only a handful of new candidates selected every decade or so from across all member states.

Training Duration

Basic astronaut training typically lasts around 1-2 years, covering a vast range of subjects from space systems and robotics to survival training and Russian language skills. Mission-specific training for an individual flight can then take another 1-3 years.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Aerospace Engineer

Designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. This could involve working on propulsion systems, structural integrity, or flight control systems for future space missions.

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Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Monitors and controls satellites and spacecraft from ground stations. This role involves planning and executing mission operations, analysing telemetry data, and troubleshooting issues to ensure successful space missions.

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Astrophysicist

Studies the universe and the physical properties of celestial objects such as stars, planets, and galaxies. This often involves analysing data from telescopes and satellites to understand cosmic phenomena and potentially inform future space exploration.

Foundation Building & Education

Excel in STEM Subjects

Focus intensely on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects throughout your schooling and university.

Astronauts require a deep understanding of complex scientific principles and engineering challenges. Achieving top grades in A-levels like Physics, Further Maths, Chemistry, and Computer Science will be crucial for securing a place at a top university. Consider participating in STEM clubs, competitions, and projects to build practical skills and demonstrate your passion.

Attain a Relevant Degree

Complete a Bachelor's and ideally a Master's or PhD in a highly relevant STEM field from a reputable university.

Degrees in fields such as engineering (aerospace, mechanical, electrical), computer science, physics, biology, chemistry, or medicine are highly valued. A postgraduate degree (MSc, PhD, or even a medical doctorate) is often a minimum requirement for astronaut selection, as it demonstrates advanced knowledge and research capabilities. Aim for universities known for strong STEM faculties and research output.

Gain Professional Experience

Accumulate several years of significant professional experience in your chosen STEM field after your degree.

Astronaut agencies like ESA (European Space Agency) typically look for at least three years of professional experience post-graduation, often more if you only have a Bachelor's degree. This experience should involve hands-on work, problem-solving, and leadership. Examples include working as an engineer on complex projects, a research scientist, or a military test pilot. Leadership roles and experience in demanding environments are particularly beneficial.

Skill Development & Preparation

Master Additional Skills

Develop proficiency in other crucial areas such as languages, diving, and potentially piloting.

Fluency in multiple languages, especially Russian, is often required for international space missions due to collaboration with Roscosmos. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly desirable as it mimics spacewalk conditions and demonstrates comfort in challenging environments. While not strictly mandatory for all roles, flight experience (e.g., private pilot's licence) can be a significant advantage, showcasing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Maintain Peak Physical & Mental Fitness

Commit to an ongoing regime of rigorous physical training and mental resilience building.

Astronauts undergo extensive medical and psychological evaluations. You'll need excellent cardiovascular health, strength, stamina, and visual acuity. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol are essential. Mental resilience, stress management techniques, and the ability to work effectively under pressure are equally important. Consider activities that test your endurance and problem-solving under duress.

Develop Teamwork & Leadership Qualities

Actively seek opportunities to demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team and lead others.

Space missions are collaborative efforts. Astronauts must be excellent team players, capable of clear communication, conflict resolution, and supporting their crewmates. Leadership experience, whether in academic projects, professional roles, or voluntary activities, shows your ability to take initiative and guide others. Participating in challenging expeditions or outdoor pursuits can also demonstrate these qualities.

Application & Selection

Monitor Agency Selection Rounds

Keep a close eye on official announcements from space agencies like ESA for astronaut recruitment campaigns.

Astronaut selection rounds are infrequent and highly competitive. The European Space Agency (ESA) conducts them every decade or so. Subscribing to their newsletters, following their social media, and regularly checking their careers page is crucial. Understand the specific requirements for each campaign, as they can vary slightly based on mission needs.

Prepare a Meticulous Application

Submit a comprehensive and well-crafted application that highlights all your relevant qualifications, experience, and motivations.

Your application form will be your first chance to make an impression. Ensure it's free of errors, clearly articulates your achievements in STEM, your professional experience, and any additional skills. Write a compelling cover letter explaining why you want to be an astronaut and how your unique skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the role. Be honest and thorough.

Undergo Rigorous Selection Process

Be prepared for a multi-stage selection process involving extensive testing, interviews, and medical examinations.

The selection process can take over a year and involves numerous stages. These typically include cognitive tests, psychomotor skills assessments, group exercises to evaluate teamwork, psychological evaluations, intense interviews with panels of experts, and extremely thorough medical examinations. You'll need to demonstrate not only your technical prowess but also your resilience, adaptability, and psychological suitability for long-duration spaceflight.

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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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