<p>How does one become an astronaut? How hard is it?</p>
<p>I found this: <a href="http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/facts/faq12.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/facts/faq12.html</a></p>
<p>I have always dreamed of being an astronaut but after sixth grade realized that the you most likely had to be in the military and that wasn't a commitment I wanted. Although, if all I have to do is be the most motivated and all around best in, let's say, seismology then I just might start dreaming again....</p>
<p>Lol... I like the link, Justinmeche.</p>
<p>Usually you have to have graduated from the USNA or the USFA, have several years of flying experience, get your doctorate, then you might be able to apply for the one position that opens up every 5 to 6 years and be one of 1,000 more than qualified applicants. You thought getting into Harvard was hard.</p>
<p>I know a little bit about this. My dad went to work for NASA in 1964 and eventually worked in the astronaut office. My husband has worked at NASA for the past 18 years where he is a flight engineer on the Shuttle Training Aircraft.</p>
<p>There are 2 types of astronauts...pilots and mission specialists. Astronaut pilots are almost always military pilots...USAF or USN. Most of them are test pilot qualified. Some mission specialists are also military (usually pilots). </p>
<p>Nowadays, most mission specialists have a PhD or an MD. Obviously, they also have to be in excellent physical condition. Any little health problem can disqualify you. You would have to qualify for a security clearance and pass a psychological evaluation. (We don't want crazy people or terrorists up in the shuttle, now do we?)</p>
<p>As if that didn't make it hard enough, you might have noticed that the shuttle is not exactly flying a lot right now. Who knows what the future of the program is? I wouldn't expect a lot of astronaut selections in the next few years. </p>
<p>Then, even if you are selected, there is no guarantee you will fly. One of dh's coworkers was selected as astronaut 6 or 7 years ago, and he was just recently assigned to a flight.</p>
<p>Working at NASA doesn't hurt your chances. If you got some kind of engineering degree that would be marketable at NASA (or for its primary contractor, United Space Alliance), then you could work there while working on your PhD. It never hurts to get to know some of the decision makers.</p>
<p>How important is the vision requirement? Do you see any changes regarding that in the future?</p>
<p>I don't know about the vision requirements for astronauts. Sorry!</p>
<p>Timely; what a neat post! I do know there are height restrictions for being a pilot in the military, has much to do with the equipment and ejection mechanisms. Also, I know you can't be colorbind and must have perfect vision, no glasses.</p>