On Monday, NASA started accepting applications for its new class of astronauts. Applying is simple: Just log in to USAjobs.gov, search for "astronaut," and upload your resume and references. The job description says "Frequent travel may be required."
It's a bit more difficult to be picked. In 2013, more than 6,000 people applied to the program. Only eight were selected. That's an acceptance rate of less than 1 percent.
Control Number: 423817000Department: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Agency: Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX View Map
JOB SUMMARY:
NASA is accepting applications for a new class of astronauts. Today, more new human spacecraft are in development in the United States (U.S.) than at any time in history, and future Astronaut Candidates will have the opportunity to explore farther in space than humans have ever been.
The next class of astronauts may fly on any of four different U.S. spacecraft during their careers: the International Space Station (ISS), two new commercial spacecraft being built by U.S. companies, and NASA's Orion deep-space exploration vehicle. NASA is in the midst of an unprecedented transition to using commercial spacecraft for its scheduled crew and cargo transport to the ISS. For the last 15 years, humans have been living continuously aboard the orbiting laboratory, expanding scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies. Future crewmembers will continue this work.
Additionally, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, now in development, will launch astronauts on missions to the proving ground of lunar orbit where NASA will learn to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment before moving on to longer duration missions on the journey to Mars.
To date, NASA has selected more than 300 astronauts to fly on its increasingly challenging missions to explore space and benefit life on Earth. More will be needed to crew future ISS missions, as well as, the missions beyond low earth orbit.
To receive consideration you must meet the minimum requirements by the closing date of the announcement; and submit all required information by the closing date of the announcement via USAJOBS. More detailed instructions to follow in the 'How to Apply' section of this announcement.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Position subject to pre-employment background investigation
- This is a drug-testing designated position
- Frequent travel may be required
- Selectee must pass a pre-employment medical examination
- Selectee must complete a financial disclosure statement
DUTIES:
Astronauts are involved in all aspects of training for and conducting operations in space, including on the ISS, on Russian Soyuz spacecraft, and in the development and testing of future spacecraft. This includes extravehicular activities (EVA), robotics operations using the remote manipulator system, the ability to operate and conduct research experiments, the ability to operate as a safe member of an aircraft crew (including flight planning and communications), and spacecraft maintenance activities. Astronauts also participate in mission simulations to help themselves and flight controllers in the Mission Control Center operate in the dynamic environment of low earth orbit. Additionally, astronauts serve as the public face of NASA, providing appearances across the country, and sharing NASA's discoveries and goals.
Long-duration missions aboard the ISS generally last from three to six months. Training for long-duration missions is very arduous and takes approximately two to three years. This training requires extensive travel, including long periods away in other countries training with NASA's international partners.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements before submitting an application:
1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
Notes on Academic Requirements:
Applicants for the Astronaut Candidate Program must meet the basic education requirements for NASA engineering and scientific positions; specifically, successful completion of standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university leading to at least a bachelor's degree with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
The following degree fields are not considered qualifying:
--Degrees in Technology (Engineering Technology, Aviation Technology, Medical Technology, etc.)
--Degrees in Psychology (except for Clinical Psychology, Physiological Psychology, or Experimental Psychology, which are qualifying)
--Degrees in Nursing
--Degrees in Exercise Physiology or similar fields
--Degrees in Social Sciences (Geography, Anthropology, Archaeology, etc.)
--Degrees in Aviation, Aviation Management, or similar fields
2. At least 3 years of related, progressively responsible, professional experience obtained after degree completion OR at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. An advanced degree is desirable and may be substituted for experience as follows: master's degree = 1 year of experience, doctoral degree = 3 years of experience. Teaching experience, including experience at the K - 12 levels, is considered to be qualifying experience for the Astronaut Candidate position, provided the initial degree is qualifying.
3. Ability to pass the NASA long-duration astronaut physical, which includes the following specific requirements:
Distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20, each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable.
The refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are allowed. Note that such surgeries are permitted, but not required for potential applicants.
Since all crewmembers will be expected to fly aboard a specific spacecraft vehicle and perform EVA activities (spacewalks), applicants must meet the anthropometric requirements for both the specific spacecraft vehicle and the EVA mobility unit (spacesuit). Applicants brought in for an interview will be evaluated to ensure they meet the anthropometric requirements.
Basic Education Requirement: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
Degrees in engineering technology are not considered to be qualifying for this position.
An advanced degree is desirable.
U.S. citizenship is required.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Applicants will be evaluated by an Astronaut Rating Panel based on the academic and work experience qualification requirements stated in this announcement. Eligible candidates will be placed in qualified and highly-qualified categories. Highly-qualified applicants will be evaluated by an Astronaut Selection Board based on the academic and work experience qualification requirements and reference checks. Best qualified applicants will be interviewed. The finalists will be referred to the appropriate official who will make the selections.
BENEFITS:
You can review our benefits at: http://nasapeople.nasa.gov/benefits_lp.htm
OTHER INFORMATION:
These positions are in the excepted service.
Multiple selections may be made under this announcement. Selections will be announced in the spring of 2017. Selected candidates will report for duty at the Johnson Space Center in the fall of 2017.
The pay rates shown reflect the 2015 pay schedules. These rates will be adjusted to reflect any increase in 2017.
