Requirements may change as NASA's needs change. Requirements for the private sector vary.
Applicants to the Astronaut Candidate Program must meet the following minimum requirements:
- be a US citizen;
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- have a bachelor's degree or equivalent;
- have a master's degree in science, technology, engineering or math, or have completed two years towards a PhD in science, technology, engineering, or math, or have a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, or have completed a nationally recognized test pilot school program;
- a minimum of two years of professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in aircraft; and
- pass a NASA astronaut physical.
Personal interviews, medical screening, and orientation are required for applicants under final consideration. Further interviews and a complete medical evaluation are conducted prior to selection. Because several thousand people submit applications, only a few hundred applicants are selected for interviews.
Education after high school
A master's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or math is required. This degree may be substituted for two years in a PhD program, a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, or the completion of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
Work experience
You should consider participating in an internship with NASA while in college. Students at all collegiate levels can participate in opportunities offered at each of NASA's ten field centers. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. An internship also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field. At least two years of experience working in the field or as a teacher are required to be an astronaut. This work requirement may be substituted for 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command flight time.
On-the-job training
Selected applicants are designated Astronaut Candidates and are assigned to the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. Astronaut candidates are trained and evaluated for two years. During this time, they participate in the basic Astronaut Candidate training program. This program was designated to develop the knowledge and skills required for formal mission training. Astronaut Candidates (piloting background) maintain proficiency in NASA aircraft during their candidate period. These program characteristics may change given future program developments.
Selection as an Astronaut Candidate does not ensure selection as an astronaut. Final selection as an astronaut depends upon satisfactory completion of the training and evaluation period. Applicants who successfully complete candidate training and are selected as finalists, then begin formal training.
Military training
The military trains people to be airplane pilots, airplane navigators, and helicopter pilots. You need a bachelor's degree to enter any of these training programs. Training lasts two years for airplane pilots and one to two years for helicopter pilots. Airplane navigators receive six to 12 months of training. Military experience is not required to apply to the Astronaut Candidate Program.