NASA opens vacancies for astronauts; Know the roles and requirements

Have you ever imagined being NASA astronaut ? Since the beginning of March, the space agency has opened vacancies for US citizens or those who “owe loyalty to the US” to work in the role that is the dream of many people, especially children. Registration will be open until April 2nd this year.

According to information available in the US Government official websitethe vacancy offers a annual salary of $152,258 (around R$761 thousand), a value that represents almost double the average salary in the United States.

Between the main functions of the future astronaut are: conducting operations in space, developing and testing future spacecraft; conducting research experiments and carrying out spacecraft maintenance activities, in addition to serving as the public face of NASA, making national and international appearances, in addition to many other activities.

As requirement the position requires the candidate to have U.S. citizenship, be available for frequent travel, and meet basic education and specialized experience qualifications.

On the part of training , NASA offers some options. To be eligible for the position, simply have a master's degree in an appropriate technical area of ​​engineering, biological sciences, physical science, computer science or mathematics. It is also possible to have completed at least two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) in an accredited doctorate in the same areas above. In a third option, people with a medical degree from accredited universities can also apply.

As specialized experience, the space agency requires the candidate to have at least 1,000 hours as pilot in command or to have completed a Test Pilot School program, or to have three years of professional experience in one of the following areas: Health , Physical Sciences, Engineering and Operations.

Candidates will undergo drug testing, background investigation, physical fitness test, medical and psychiatric examination, swimming test, as well as training for long-term missions and dangerous environments.

Those interested in the position will still spend approximately two years training basic skills required to be an astronaut — from spacewalking and robotics to leadership and teamwork skills

Upon completing training, they will join the active astronaut corps and become eligible for spaceflight missions. Until they are assigned to a spaceflight, they will have responsibilities within the astronaut office, supporting their fellow astronauts in space or advising on the development of new spacecraft.