Astronaut Possibilities?

[Pat1USMC]

Hey, I found this page, its the Marine Corps astronaut program, but I'm sure its similar to the Navy's.
https://lnweb1.manpower.usmc.mil/manpower/mi/mra_ofct.nsf/MMOA-3/Astronaut+Application

Heres some requirements for the mission specialist. (I'm assuming you're trying to be an NFO, and not a pilot. Therefore you'd be a mission specialist.) There are different requirements for pilot astronauts.
Theres a lot more info on the page, so just look...

Mission specialist astronaut candidate minimum
qualifications are:
(1) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in
engineering, biological science, physical science, or
mathematics. Degree must be supplemented by at least 3 years
2
MCO 3700.3A
5 Sep 96
related, progressively responsible, professional experience. An
advanced degree is desired and may be substituted for part or all
of the experience requirement (master’s degree = 1 year, Ph.D.
degree = 3 years). Quality of academic preparation is important.
(2) Ability to pass NASA Class II space flight physical
(similar to military flight physicals) to include the following
specific standards:
(a) Distant visual acuity: 20/200 or better
uncorrected; correctable to 20/20 each eye.
(b) Hearing loss and blood pressure: same as for
pilot astronaut candidates.
(3) Height between 58.5 and 76 inches.
(4) Be a U.S. citizen on active duty in the Marine Corps
with a minimum of 5 years active service.

 

[ElPensador]

Hey guys thanks for the info. My degree is in digital arts so umm I guess I won't be flying on any shuttles any time soon.

I'll check out that info though, just to humor myself. Thanks.

 

[austinfalnes]

There is a NASA website devoted to astronaut recruiting too. Sorry, I don't have the link, but it's an easy google search.

Just to add to the discussion, NASA claims that ANY sort of laser surgery is DISqualifying. (PRK, LASIK, whatever). I think this is true, even if you got a waiver from the Navy, or had Uncle Sam perform the operation. And NASA offers less than 0 medical waivers.

Not to douse anyone's dreams, but it would suck to get hopes up, and then get denied over something so stupid.


Anyway, it would be nice if they allowed waivers for astronaut canidates coming from military background, but....


V/R

 

[Steve Wilkins]

Follow this link and read until your heart's content.

https://buperscd.technology.navy.mil/bup_updt/upd_CD/BUPERS/INSTRUCT/14014.pdf

 

[angelbo]

I am looking for anyone who remembers the card game....."SMOKE". We played in when I served on the carriers Forestal, Saratoga, Wasp, and Tarawa in 1950's. Also I would like to know how I can post onto the general listing so everyone can see my questions. Haven't been able to figure it out. Can you help this senior whose birthday is today. (would be a nice present)

 

[phrogdriver]

Holy threadjack, Angelbo!

Mission specialist might even be the better end of the deal, considering a shuttle's never been hand-flown in 20 years of use. Also, looks like we'll have to be hitching rides with the Russians for a while, anyway. I know of at least 2 46 pilots, 1 USN, 1 USMC who are astronauts--msn spc.

 

[Pat1USMC]

Angelbo, I'll post your message in the Miscellaneous section. So if you want to see replies, go there and you'll see the thread.

 

[sludge31]

Good to know that my Biology degree could actually be useful someday! This would be the ultimate flight for an NFO.

 

[staff]

I have always wanted to be a pilot astronaut. I know that a very big step toward that goal is to be a pilot. I was just wondering, how do you take that next step from being a naval aviator to getting selected as an astronaut? Any and all information on this subject would be awesome. Any advice would also be very useful to help me accomplish this life long goal.

 

[HAL Pilot]

Navy Astronaut Candidate Selection Program

http://buperscd.technology.navy.mil/bup_updt/508/Instructions/14014.htm

From the USAJOBS website (official government job website):

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI49.asp

I knew one pilot and one NFO that selected for astronaut during my career. The Pilot was also a M.D. (but entered the Navy as a pilot, not a doctor although he volunteered in civilian emergency rooms a couple of times a month to "keep current") and the NFO had a PHD. Both were jet types and Test Pilot School graduates. I do not know if either actually ever went to NASA as just because the Navy selects them, it doesn't mean they are in. NASA still has to select them too. The services typically select more than NASA needs and then NASA picks and chooses who they want.

I did hear of a reserve female LCDR NFO in the NAS Jax reserve P-3 squadron who was a Mission Specialist but she got in through NASA's civilian selection process.

Since we do not have any astronauts on this board, I doubt that you will get much more than this.

 

[staff]

Thanks for the information. So how do you become a test pilot? And if I understand correctly, any jet pilot can apply who meets the other requirements? I guess I am also wondering out of how many pilots apply annually, about how many are there and how many get accepted?

 

[HAL Pilot]

Google is your friend.

Test Pilot School Application: http://buperscd.technology.navy.mil/bup_updt/upd_CD/BUPERS/INSTRUCT/150062.PDF

The numbers? Who knows....

I think you are putting the cart ahead of the horse. One step at a time. I've seen your other posts where you are asking about applying for the Navy.

 

[A6-EA6]

I have a few friends who are active astronauts and the key is just like any other Navy program.....sustained superior performance. Like HAL Pilot mentioned, each service selects a group of candidates and then nominates them to NASA for selection. NASA then puts them through a VERY rigorous (think "The Right Stuff") physical and mental exam and selects who they want/need from the candidates the services send them. It is an EXTREMELY competitive process and the numbers for selection are very small compared to applicants.

Bottom line for a new guy is get your wings, do well in each and every tour, and get into TPS. NASA wants smart, well-trained aviators for the program, and TPS and military aviation training are good ways for them to get that w/o paying for it.

 

[gaijin6423]

So what happens when some brainiac like McNamara goes and becomes an astronaut? (Or they send A4s up, ala 'Space Cowboys'.) Can he get some Airwarriors love and some astronaut wings put up by his name?

Seriously, though, this falls under the umbrella of goals/dreams. If you want it bad enough, then bust your ass and go for it. Maybe I'm just a sucker for good PR, but it seems to me that you always here astronauts say something like, "I've been dreaming of this since I was 5." I guess there might be something to that whole argument for perseverence and dedication, huh?

 

[phrogdriver]

Considering the sporadic schedule of manned space flight in this country, I'd be worried about giving a substantial portion of my life training and then never actually flying. The Shuttle is due for retirement in I believe 2010, with a replacement not expected for much longer than that. My 2-year-old says he wants to be an astronaut. Hopefully he'll be ready just in time for Mars missions.

Good luck, though. Can't hurt to try.