How hard is it to become an astronaut?
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| NASA Astronaut |
A lot of people usually look up to being an astronaut. This is not an easy process. Take a look at the hardships you've got to put up with to become an astronaut.
Astronaut selection rates
Astronaut training centers are in the USA, Europe, Russia, and China. In the United States, in 2016 out of 18000 applicants only 120 were called for an interview.
Out of this 120 people, only 60 got selected. In Europe, the selection is even hard, only 6 people are selected out of 1413. There are people who have applied 8 times.
Astronaut candidate requirements
In the United States, you should have about three years or 10,000 hours of flying in a jet aircraft.
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| Astronaut Candidates |
You should have a bachelor's degree in either engineering, mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or Computer Sciences. You should also have a strong and healthy physique. Your blood pressure should be normal; you should have great vision but having a contact lens is okay.
Height is an important factor, you should not be too tall or too small, or else you won't fit into a spacesuit. In Europe, they require higher education in scientific fields and great physical, mental conditions.
Astronaut Mental health requirements
Mental health accounts for the most important factor in being an astronaut. You should not be afraid of confined spaces. You should be able to co-operate and work with your crewmates in tight spaces.
Astronauts have previously said in interviews that their biggest challenge was to live with the constant fear of danger, loneliness, and limitations.
Space Sickness
Takeoffs and landings can be brutal. Usually, after 2 days in space, 70% of new astronauts experience what's called space motion sickness. This is done due to the effects of gravity and may sometimes end with you throwing up.
Even a whole crew can get space motion sickness and that's completely normal. Scientists and doctors recommend using some serious medications to counter this effect.
In space, there may be a change in your blood pressure which could lead to severe problems. Astronauts usually do routine exercises to rectify this
Conclusion
Being an astronaut is not easy. Before going to space, astronauts are well prepared and they know what to expect. They have practiced this in isolated environments a countless number of times.
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| Astronaut |
If being an astronaut is your true dream, we'd say you should definitely go for it. There may be a lot of challenges in doing so. Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful
Do you want to be an astronaut? Tell us in the comments
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