Expert: Rajeevlochanam B A - 3/11/2008

Question
sir, i am on the verge of completing B.E in E&C. I have also got 65% aggregate.i want to be an astronaut so i have decided to do M TECH in aeronautical.is it possible to go this way and if yes,what all subjects i need to undertake and where are good colleges located in india .when are admissions going to be held.

Answer
hello,

To become an astonaut U need not necessarily study aeronautics. Your Btech (E&C) is suffient.I want to reproduce some info on astronaut selction, (courtesy NASA website). I hope it will help overcome some of ur doubts

Pilot astronaut applicants must meet the following requirements  

At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft; flight test experience is highly desirable. Ability to pass a NASA Class I space physical, which is similar to a military or civilian Class I flight physical, and includes the following specific standards: for vision-distance visual acuity - 20/70 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20, each eye. For Blood Pressure-140/90 measured in a sitting position. Height between 64 and 76 inches.

Among the academic fields considered qualifying for Astronaut Candidate positions, we would not recommend one over another or specify which might be more appropriate in the future. You should choose a field of study that is of interest to you; this will ensure that, whatever course your career takes, you will be prepared to do something that is personally satisfying. You can obtain information on the backgrounds of the current and past astronauts at the following website:
 
There are no age restrictions for the program. Astronaut candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34.
 
you must be a U.S. citizen to apply for the program through NASA. It is not recommended that you change your citizenship solely for the purpose of being eligible for the Astronaut Candidate Program.

There are two types of astronauts that are not U.S. citizens--International Astronauts and Payload Specialist Astronauts. The countries with which we have an international agreement-Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil, and Europe select the International Astronaut. Each of these countries has their own Space Agency.

Payload specialists are persons other than NASA astronauts (pilots or mission specialists) whose presence is required on board the Space Shuttle to perform specialized functions related to the payload or other essential mission activities. Payload specialists are nominated by NASA, the foreign sponsor, or the designated payload sponsor (private companies, universities, etc.).


Although flying experience is only a requirement for the Pilot Astronaut Candidate, it is also beneficial for the Mission Specialist Astronaut Candidate. The Pilots selected have had military pilot training. The Mission Specialists with flying experience have attained it either in the military or through private lessons.

pls visit the following wings for accurate information
http://nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts/

bye