Astronaut Candidate

Quick Facts

• Approximately 2-year training and evaluation program
• Trains in spacecraft systems, EVA, robotics, languages, and team operations
• After training, joins the active astronaut corps and becomes eligible for spaceflight assignment; before assignment, supports astronaut office work

Description

Astronaut candidates complete an approximately two-year training and evaluation program covering the core skills needed to operate as an astronaut. After successful completion, they join the active astronaut corps and become eligible for spaceflight assignments. Until assigned, they perform astronaut-office duties supporting current crews and advising on new spacecraft development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct operations in space across Low Earth Orbit, lunar missions, and beyond; develop and test future spacecraft and habitats
• Perform EVA using spacecraft/space-station/planetary surface operations; use the robotic remote manipulator system
• Conduct research experiments; operate as a safe aircraft/spacecraft crew member including flight planning and communications
• Perform spacecraft maintenance activities
• Support astronaut training ground-support tasks (e.g., CapCom in Mission Control)
• Participate in mission simulations with flight controllers in dynamic space environments
• Support development/operations of human spaceflight programs as directed
• Advocate for astronaut safety and interests in decision-making teams covering designs, tests, and operations
• Serve as a public spokesperson for NASA, including appearances domestically and internationally

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Meet Basic Education and Specialized Experience requirements; submit all STEM-related transcripts (foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency)
• Select only one discipline group and qualify under that group’s specialized experience rules
• TPS completion/enrollment requirements apply for Pilot/Flight Test sub-disciplines (completion by July 2027)
• Meet minimum experience rules (generally 3 years progressively responsible experience after the qualifying degree, unless Pilot sub-discipline rules apply)
• Pass background investigation/clearance requirements
• Medical/psychiatric exams and vision standards (correctable to 20/20)
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and maintain compliance with random drug testing
• Complete physical fitness test; be willing to perform moderate to arduous physical activities
• Pass swimming test and be willing to spend extended time underwater in simulations (including scuba/pressurized suit/EMU)
• Willingness to work in dangerous, confined, hazardous environments for prolonged periods
• Willingness to participate in extensive flight readiness training (including extended aircraft piloting/simulation of microgravity)
• Willingness for long-duration deployments (12+ months), irregular hours, potential leave restrictions during training/operations, extensive global travel, and no remote work during initial/assigned training
• Willingness to appear publicly as a spokesperson on behalf of NASA

Benefits

Comprehensive U.S. federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on appointment type and whether full-time/part-time/intermittent.