Astronaut jobs

Description of the Job

The most recognizable people in the field of space exploration are astronauts. They are the individuals who actually go into space, carry out experiments on orbiting laboratories such as the International Space Station (ISS), and pilot spaceships such as the Space Shuttle.

Dr. Helen Sharman was the first person from the United Kingdom to go into space (1991). Tim Peake was the first British astronaut to join the European Space Agency (2015). Alongside their counterparts from all around Europe, Russia, the United States, Canada, and Japan, British astronauts contribute their time and expertise to the International Space Station. In the Russian space program, astronauts are referred to as cosmonauts, whereas in the Chinese space program, they are called Taikonauts.

Every astronaut fulfills a particular mission on the International Space Station, the nature of which is determined by the experiments that are presently being conducted there. The vast majority of experiments focus on the one-of-a-kind conditions that may be found in space, investigating topics such as how microgravity and radiation influence phenomena such as the development of crystals and the mutation of viruses. The findings of this study are being used back on Earth in an effort to advance medical treatment, manufacturing techniques, and scientific understanding.

If you were an astronaut, you could:

Learn about the inner workings of the International Space Station, and get some pool time in to improve your spacewalking skills.

Help us further our knowledge of science by doing experiments in outer space using specialized equipment or on yourself using either method.

Fixing and maintaining things like air filters and waste processors, among other things

Unload and set up the equipment and supplies that have been sent from Earth.

In order to keep your bones and muscles from atrophying as a result of the microgravity environment, you need exercise for several hours every day.

Carry out an Extra Vehicular Activity, sometimes known as a "space walk," which entails donning a specialized suit, stepping outside of the space station, and repairing a broken component that is located there.

Take pictures of the planet Earth from orbit, or record music in zero-gravity conditions.

Check in with folks back on Earth to let them know how you're doing, communicate any scientific findings, and respond to questions from schoolchildren.

Lecture throughout the nation in an effort to encourage students and the general public to pursue professions in the scientific and aerospace industries.

Conditions of Employment and Working Hours

Each astronaut has a specialized training program and a packed schedule of public appearances to follow when they are on Earth. Because training facilities are sometimes shared by national organizations, something like this may take place anywhere in the globe. Cologne is the location of the European Astronaut Centre.

Once they are in space, they will have unique tasks for certain studies, and their schedules will be meticulously planned out many weeks in advance. Because sleeping, eating, and cleaning themselves are all things that might be challenging to do in microgravity, a significant portion of their time is taken up by these activities.

Different Ways to Become an Astronaut

There are not many people who are qualified to hold the position of astronaut, and getting there is not an easy process. Every few years, space organizations like NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos recruit a new astronaut class in accordance with their needs, and the level of competition is quite high. Since the UK Space Agency is a member of ESA, British residents are eligible to submit applications to become astronauts with ESA.

Astronauts are required to have a high level of technical education, many years of experience, as well as strong physical and mental health. There is no specific degree or experience that is required, but astronauts do need to be in good bodily and mental condition.

After being chosen, astronaut candidates are required to undergo years of training. This encompasses a wide range of topics, including scientific knowledge, the operating systems of the International Space Station (ISS), space politics, and spacewalks.

Because there are so few opportunities for space travel, being an astronaut is not a guarantee that one will ever get to leave Earth's atmosphere.