Candidates are given
exposure to the microgravity
of space flight during flights
in a modified jet aircraft as it
performs parabolic
maneuvers that produce
periods of weightlessness
for about 20 seconds. The
aircraft then returns to the
original altitude and the
sequence is repeated up to
40 times in a day.
Final selection as an
astronaut will depend upon
satisfactory completion of the
training and evaluation
period. Graduation from the
Astronaut Candidate Program
will require successful
completion of the following:
International Space Station
systems training, Extravehicular Activity skills training, Robotics skills
training, Russian Language training, and aircraft flight readiness
training. Civilian candidates who successfully complete the training and
evaluation and are selected as astronauts become permanent Federal
employees. Civilian candidates who are not selected as astronauts may
be placed in other positions within NASA, depending upon agency
requirements and workforce constraints at that time. Equal opportunity
in employment means opportunity not just for some but for all. NASA
provides equal opportunity in Federal employment regardless of race,
color, gender, national origin, religion, age, non-disqualifying physical or
mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a
parent, or gender identity.
Pay and Benefits
Salaries for civilian Astronaut Candidates are based on the Federal
Government’s General Schedule pay scales for grades GS11 through
GS14, and are set in accordance with each individual’s academic
achievements and work experience. Selected military personnel will
be detailed to JSC, but will remain in an active duty status for pay,
benefits, leave, and other similar military matters.
Astronaut Responsibilities
Astronauts are involved in all aspects of on-orbit operations of the
International Space Station (ISS). This includes extravehicular
activities (spacewalks), robotics operations using the remote
manipulator system, experiment operations, and onboard
maintenance tasks. Astronauts are required to have a detailed
knowledge of the space station systems, as well as detailed
knowledge of the operational characteristics, mission requirements
and objectives, and supporting systems and equipment for each
experiment on their assigned missions. Long-duration missions
aboard the space station generally last from 3 to 6 months. Training
for long-duration missions is arduous and takes approximately 2 to 3
years beyond the initial training and evaluation period. This training
requires extensive travel, including long periods in other countries
training with our international partners. Trips to and from the space
station will initially be aboard the Russian Soyuz vehicle and
potentially aboard other future spacecraft presently being developed.
Astronaut Formal Training
The astronauts begin their formal training program during their year of
candidacy by reading training manuals and by taking computer-
based training lessons on the various vehicle systems.
The next step in the training process involves the spacecraft systems
trainers. The astronauts are trained to operate each system, to
recognize malfunctions, and to perform corrective actions if needed.
The Sonny Carter Training Facility, or Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
(NBL), provides controlled neutral buoyancy operations in the facility
water tank to simulate the zero-g or weightless condition that is
experienced by the crew during space flight. It is an essential tool for
the design, testing, and development of the International Space
Station and future NASA programs. For the astronaut, the facility
provides important preflight training in becoming familiar with planned
crew activities and with the dynamics of body motion under
weightless conditions in order to perform spacewalks.
Several full-scale mockups and trainers are also used to train
astronauts. These mockups and trainers are used for onboard
systems orientation and habitability training. Astronauts practice meal
preparation, equipment stowage, trash management, use of cameras,
and experiment operations.
Astronauts, who are pilots maintain flying proficiency by flying 15
hours per month in NASA’s fleet of two-seat T38 jets. Non-pilot
astronauts fly a minimum of 4 hours per month. The T38 is used for
flight readiness training to help the astronauts become adjusted to
the flight environment, including the g-forces experienced on launch.
The astronaut training is designed to prepare personnel for space
flight on the International Space Station, Russian Soyuz spacecraft,
NASA’s Orion vehicle, and future spacecraft.
International Space Station Program Description
The International Space Station is the largest international scientific
and technological endeavor ever undertaken. The space station is a
permanent scientific laboratory in which gravity, temperature and
atmospheric pressure can be manipulated for scientific and
engineering pursuits impossible in ground-based laboratories.
NASA Facts