NASA has begun accepting applications from hopeful candidates looking to join the agency's astronaut program. The successful applicants will be given the opportunity to participate in NASA's next batch of space missions.
The agency started the application process by posting a new job ad through the US government's website. The agency started accepting applications on March 2 and will continue to do so until March 31 of this year.
Astronaut Job Description
As indicated in the ad, those who will be accepted into the astronaut program could earn around $105,000 to $161,000 a year. Once selected, the participants will be required to relocate to NASA's facility in Houston, Texas, where they will undergo two years of basic astronaut training.
Once they have completed the training phase, they will join the active astronaut corps, making them eligible for spaceflight missions. While waiting for missions, those in the active corps will work in NASA's astronaut offices to provide support to current space projects and activities.
Working For NASA As Astronauts
As fully-fledged astronauts, individuals can expect to participate in NASA's various space programs. This includes future manned missions to the Moon under the agency's latest spaceflight program, Artemis. New astronauts will also get the chance to work on the ISS and help develop new spacecraft technology for NASA.
In addition, those who will be accepted into the program will serve as official representatives of the space agency. "Serving as the public face of NASA, providing appearances across the country and internationally, and sharing NASA's discoveries and goals," NASA stated in the job ad.
Job Requirements For NASA's Astronaut Program
Of course, before being selected for the astronaut program, applicants must first meet the requirements for the position. According to NASA, the astronaut candidate must be a U.S. citizen who has completed the agency's Basic Education Requirement. Aside from these, NASA will only accept applicants who have extensive flight experience.
"Applying to the Astronaut Candidate program is a multi-stage process. Initially, you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the minimum qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement," NASA stated. "Your minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide to the online application, which assess critical requirements of the astronaut job."
