Do You Have the Right Stuff?
November 5, 2015
Do you love adventure? Are you interested in science? Would you like to see the world—from 250 miles (400 kilometers) above its surface? Apply to become an astronaut! The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced yesterday that it is seeking applicants for a new class of astronaut candidates.
Astronaut performing a spacewalk. Credit: NASA
An astronaut is a person who pilots a spacecraft or works in space, particularly in the space program of the United States. Astronauts operate spacecraft and space stations, launch and recapture satellites, and conduct scientific experiments. The word astronaut comes from Greek words meaning sailor among the stars.
NASA will begin accepting applications on December 14, 2015. Candidates must be U. S. citizens. They should have experience piloting aircraft, advanced science degrees, or teaching experience. They must be between 62 and 75 inches (157.5 and 190.5 centimeters) tall, so that they can fit inside standardized spacesuits and spacecraft. They must also have normal blood pressure, so they can withstand the stresses of launch and microgravity (the sensation of weightlessness experienced in orbit), and good eyesight, to help pilot spacecraft effectively.
NASA expects this generation of astronauts will work aboard the International Space Station or commercial spacecraft. Some will also help test the new Orion space capsule. This capsule will replace the retired space shuttle as NASA’s primary orbiter. There are also plans to take Orion to Mars in the 2030’s. The competition among applicants will be fierce. Since the astronaut program was started in 1959, fewer than 350 astronauts have been selected from tens of thousands of applicants!
Other World Book articles
- Advances in Space Exploration (a Timeline)
- Rocket Man (a Special Report)
- Space exploration
- Space Exploration (1961-a Back in time report)
- Space Exploration (1961-a Back in time report)
- Space Exploration (1981-a Back in time report)
