qualifictions required to be an astronaut?

Answer 1

NASA grouped Space Shuttle astronauts into three categories. These included Pilot Astronauts, Mission Specialist Astronauts and Payload Specialists. Pilot Astronauts would be further divided into Space Shuttle Commanders and Space Shuttle Pilots.

Space Shuttle Commanders are given overall responsibility for onboard operations during each Space Shuttle mission, including management of the crew and vehicle. Space Shuttle Pilots assist the Commander in the control and operation of the Space Shuttle.

Pilot Astronauts must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable. At least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command flight time is required for Pilot Astronauts. Flight test experience is desirable.

Ability to pass a NASA Class I space physical is required for Pilot Astronauts, which includes a minimum 20/50 uncorrected vision, correctable to 20/20 vision and a maximum blood pressure of 140/90 in a sitting position. Pilot Astronauts must have a height of between 5-foot, 4-inches and 6-foot, 4-inches.

Mission Specialist Astronauts, in association with the Space Shuttle Commander and Space Shuttle Pilot, are responsible for the coordination of Space Shuttle operations unique to each individual mission.

Mission Specialist Astronauts are typically involved in crew activity planning, management of consumable supplies, experiment operations and payload operations during each mission. Mission Specialist Astronauts are required to have a detailed knowledge of all Space Shuttle systems.

Mission Specialist Astronauts also need to have a detailed knowledge of the operational characteristics, mission requirements, objectives, supporting systems and equipment for each payload incorporated in their specific mission.

All spacewalks performed during Space Shuttle missions are performed by Mission Specialist Astronauts, who are also involved in operating the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) and in managing and performing a variety of onboard scientific experiments.

Mission Specialist Astronauts must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. This degree must be followed by at least three years of related professional experience. Advanced degrees may be used to substitute for professional experience.

Ability to pass a NASA Class II space physical is required for Mission Specialist Astronauts, which includes a minimum 20/150 uncorrected vision, correctable to 20/20 and a maximum blood pressure of 140/90 in a sitting position. Mission Specialist Astronauts must have a height of between 4-foot, 10.5-inches and 6-foot, 4-inches.

As per federal regulation, NASA is not allowed to specify an age range for astronaut candidates. In addition, NASA maintains an affirmative action program to assure that qualified minority and female candidates are selected as astronauts. NASA astronauts must be U.S. citizens.

Payload Specialists are not maintained as NASA astronauts, but are consigned by NASA as required for each individual mission. Payload Specialists must possess knowledge and expertise unique to a particular payload. They train along with an assigned crew for each mission, but are released at the conclusion of that mission.

For that reason, specific qualifications for each Payload Specialist may vary. Throughout the history of the Space Shuttle program, Payload Specialists have represented the commercial, educational, scientific and international communities.

Astronauts flown essentially as passengers, including U.S. Senator Jake Garn, U.S. Representative Bill Nelson and U.S. Senator John Glenn were assigned to specific missions as Payload Specialists. The NASA use of Payload Specialists has declined sharply following the Challenger accident.

Although the Space Shuttle program never achieved a planned frequency of up to 60 missions per year, the existing flight schedule required NASA to draft a large number of astronaut candidates from the outset of the program through today.

Answer 2

Yes, astronauts are required to file federal income tax returns with the IRS. As with any other U.S. citizen, if circumstances legitimately prevent an astronaut from filing a return, he may ask for an extension.

Answer 3

909

Answer 4

a degree in science from a four year university and three years experience of work in your field for a career mission specialist
if you want to be a pilot you have to have up to 1,000 hours in ajet aircraft

Answer 5

u shud be physically in a top shape too for that........plz get a thorough physical before putting in all that effort of studying

Answer 6

Following FAQ will serve your querry fully.

BEST OF LUCK

Date:31/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/edu/2004/08/31/stories/2004083100110300.htm Education Plus Kerala



Astronomy and Astrophysics



Astrophysics is all about heavenly bodies.

Q: I am a student studying in the 11th standard. I would like to know in detail about Institutes in India that offer courses in astronomy or astrophysics. I shall be grateful if you could also furnish information about the selection process, eligibility criteria and job prospects. - A.J. Nachikethas, Thrissur and S. Shinu, Pathanapuram

A: Astronomy or Astrophysics is one of the better options for higher studies at the post-graduate degree level. But first, you should pass the Plus Two examinations with good marks and take Physics as the main subject for B.Sc.

Those who pass BSc. degree with top marks could choose Astronomy or Astrophysics for their master's degree.

Astronomy is the science of the heavenly bodies. It is one of the oldest sciences and now involves the use of very sophisticated methods of detecting and interpreting information on planets, stars and galaxies and their relative motions.

Astrophysics is a branch of Physics that deals with the physical or chemical properties of heavenly bodies. Astrophysics focuses on the creation of energy and its dissipation within the universe. After the successful completion of the master's degree, one should go for research leading to Ph.D. which enables one to become an astronomer/astronaut/astrophysicist or a scientist/research officer, etc. in the field of space research.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories, Space Applications Centres, etc. are the major establishments providing job opportunities to those holding higher degrees/doctorates in these disciplines.

A high level of intelligence, Mathematical ability, research skill and computer proficiency are some of the personal qualities required for a career in Space Sciences/Research.

In Kerala, the School of Pure and Applied Physics under the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, offers M.Sc. Physics with Astrophysics as a specialisation. Minimum eligibility prescribed for admission is B.Sc. Physics with 55 per cent marks.

Some other universities offering Astronomy/Astrophysics at the M.Sc. level are the Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007 (M.Sc. Astronomy, M.Sc. Astrophysics) and Swami Ramanand Teerth Marthwada University, Dhyanteerth, Gautami Nagar, Vishnupuri, Nanded - 431 606, (MSc. Astrophysics).

The Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bangalore, provides research facilities in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Those who have M.Sc. degree in the respective disciplines with high marks and qualify for Junior Research Fellowships of the University Grants Commission (UGC) - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research are eligible for admission to Ph.D. programmes.

The IISC also offers first class B.Sc. Physics Graduates the opportunity to study for an integrated Ph.D. programme in Physical Sciences. The admission is based on entrance test and interview. Admission notification can expected during January/February every year.

Some major research institutes offering PhD. programmes in Astronomy, Astrophysics and other related areas are:

Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, (Astronomy & Astrophysics).

Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad, (Astrophysics).

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, (Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics).

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune, (Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics).

Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, (Physics, Atmospheric & Space Science, Astronomy and Astrophysics)

Raman Research Institute, Bangalore (Astronomy & Astrophysics)

Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai (Atmospheric & Space Science)

Those who have obtained masters degree in the respective disciplines with high marks could appear for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) for admission to the above Ph.D. programmes.

Some other good higher studies options for B.Sc. Physics and Mathematics graduates are M.Sc. Meteorology, M.Sc. Nuclear Physics, M.Sc. Space Physics, etc.

The Cochin University of Science and Technology - M.Sc. Metrology course and M.Tech Atmospheric Science course.

Kurukshetra University, Haryana - M.Sc. Atmospheric Science.

Karnataka University, Dharward - M.Sc. Atomic and Molecular Physics and M.Sc. Nuclear Physics

Andhra University, Visakhapatanam - M.Sc. Meteorology, M.Sc. Nuclear physics and M.Sc. Space physics

Manon Maniam Sundaranar University, Tirunalveli - M.Sc. Nuclear physics.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Mumbai, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Chenai also offer M.Sc. Physics programmes. The IIT Kanpur also conducts a M.Sc.-Ph.D. (dual degree) programme in Physics.

Graduates in physics with high marks are eligible to appear for the Joint Admission Test (JAM), which is conducted by the IIT Roorkee.