How to Become an Astronaut: Qualifications, Degrees and Process

Detailed below are the educational qualifications, STEM courses, physical eligibility criteria, salary scales, space agency recruitment processes, and step-by-step career pathways for aspiring astronauts.

Eligibility to Become a Astronaut

Eligibility criteria for becoming an astronaut depend on the space agency handling selection. In India, candidates applying through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) must hold Indian citizenship and possess a STEM B.E./B.Tech degree with a minimum of 65% aggregate marks or a CPI/CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale. Candidates selected for crewed flight programs such as Gaganyaan are primarily drawn from the Indian Air Force test pilot cadre.

For international space agencies like NASA, candidates must hold citizenship of the respective country and possess a master’s degree in a STEM field (engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics). This academic requirement can also be fulfilled by completing 2 years of work toward a STEM doctoral program or holding a medical degree. Additionally, candidates require at least 3 years of post-degree professional technical experience or a minimum of 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command flight time in jet aircraft.

Courses to Become a Astronaut

Pursuing an undergraduate degree in core engineering or science streams forms the foundational academic path after completing 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Specialized fields such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics offer the technical background required by space agency selection boards.

Physical and Medical Standards for Astronaut Selection

Astronaut candidates must clear stringent physiological evaluations to ensure operational capability during spaceflight. Medical physicals require distant visual acuity correctable to 20/20 in each eye and sitting blood pressure below 140/90. Candidates must also pass high-G centrifuge testing to demonstrate tolerance to acceleration forces.

During rocket launches, astronauts experience up to three times the force of Earth’s gravity (3G). In long-duration microgravity environments, human bodies can lose up to 40% of muscle mass and 12% of bone mass after five months in orbit. To counteract these physiological impacts, astronauts undergo intense daily exercise routines using specialized microgravity gym equipment.

Astronaut Salary

In India, starting salaries for entry-level space research roles range from INR 8 LPA to 15 LPA. As professionals gain rank and mission specialization, average salaries for ISRO space scientists and trained astronauts range between INR 20 LPA and INR 40 LPA depending on grade and experience.

For civilian astronaut candidates at NASA, earnings are structured according to the US Federal Government General Schedule pay scale from GS-11 to GS-14.

Career Growth

• Basic Candidate Training: Lasts 2 years at facilities like NASA Johnson Space Center, covering spacewalking, spacecraft systems, and survival training.
• Advanced Mission Training: Takes 10 months, focusing on specific crew assignments and mission requirements.
• Mission Assignment: Wait times for spaceflights range from 2 to 10 years after training completion.

Astronaut candidates undergo 2 years of foundational training followed by 10 months of mission-specific preparation. After training, wait times for active spaceflight assignments range from 2 to 10 years.

How to Start a Career as Astronaut: Step by Step

1. Complete 10+2 with Science Stream: Pass 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
2. Clear National Level Entrance Exams: Appear for entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), or BITSAT.
3. Earn a STEM Bachelor’s Degree: Graduate with a BE/BTech or B.Sc in Physics, Astronomy, or Space Science requiring a minimum of 65% aggregate or a CPI/CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale.
4. Pursue Master’s/PhD or IAF Pilot Track: Obtain a master’s degree in a STEM field, or join the Indian Air Force as a test pilot to log jet flying hours.
5. Acquire Minimum Professional Experience: Accumulate 3 years of post-degree professional technical experience or medical residency.
6. Apply to Space Agency Selection Boards: Submit formal applications when space agency selection calls (ISRO/NASA) open for recruitment.
7. Pass Selection Assessments & Medical Board: Clear written tests, centrifuge evaluations, psychological screenings, and flight physicals.
8. Complete Candidate Basic Training: Undergo candidacy training covering spacewalking, spacecraft operations, robotics, and survival skills.

Basic astronaut candidacy training lasts 2 years at facilities like the NASA Johnson Space Center. Candidates then complete 10 months of mission-specific advanced crew training.