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Calling all astronauts - NASA opens applications |
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Written by Derek Kessler on
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
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 NASA is accepting applications for the 2009 Astronaut Candidate Class. Those selected could fly to space for long-duration stays on the International Space Station and missions to the moon. "We look forward to gathering applications and then being able to select from the largest pool possible," said Ellen Ochoa, NASA's chief of Flight Crew Operations at the Johnson Space Center. "Continuing our impressive record in successfully carrying out challenging human spaceflight missions depends on maintaining a talented and diverse astronaut corps."
To be considered, a bachelor's degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience are required. Typically, successful applicants have significant qualifications in engineering or science, or extensive experience flying high-performance jet aircraft.
Teaching experience, including work at the kindergarten through 12th grade level, is considered qualifying. Educators with the appropriate educational background are encouraged to apply.
After a six-month period of evaluation and interviews, NASA will announce final selections in early 2009. Astronaut candidates will report to Johnson in the summer of 2009 to begin the basic training program to prepare them for future spaceflight assignments.
NASA will accept applications through July 1, 2008.
The last time NASA selected new astronaut candidates was way back in 2004, when they picked 14 (11 US and 3 international) from a pool of literally thousands. NASA is looking to add about that many to the Astronaut Corps this time as well, though the final number will be determined by the candidates qualifications. NASA astronauts make between $60,000 and $130,000 a year, with benefits such as medical and dental insurance, private gym membership, and free vacations to the International Space Station and eventually the moon.
Any candidates selected by NASA will not likely fly anytime before 2009. NASA is planning on retiring the space shuttle fleet in 2010, and the replacement craft - the Crew Exploration Vehicle - isn't projected to be ready for even test flights before 2014. Where does this leave our new astronauts to be? The options right now are fairly limited - ride along with Russia in a Soyuz capsule, contract with a private aerospace firm such as SpaceX or the Northrop Grumman-owned Scaled Composites, or keep maintaining the expensive shuttle fleet.
Apply: Astronaut Candidate @ USAJobs.gov
Discuss: TrekUnited Forum
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