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Astronaut Training — Preparing for Space!

So You Want to Be an Astronaut?

Becoming an astronaut is one of the hardest jobs to get in the world! NASA gets about 18,000 applications every time they look for new astronauts, and they only pick about 12. That means fewer than 1 in 1,000 people who apply get chosen!

To even apply, you need a college degree in science, engineering, or math, PLUS at least 3 years of professional experience (or 1,000 hours as a jet pilot). Then you go through 2 years of astronaut candidate training.

But the most important qualities are not about being super smart — they are about teamwork, staying calm under pressure, and being able to solve problems when things go wrong. Astronauts have to work well with people from many different countries in a tiny space station for months!

Astronaut Training — Preparing for Space!

So You Want to Be an Astronaut?

Becoming an astronaut is one of the hardest jobs to get in the world! NASA gets about 18,000 applications every time they look for new astronauts, and they only pick about 12. That means fewer than 1 in 1,000 people who apply get chosen!

To even apply, you need a college degree in science, engineering, or math, PLUS at least 3 years of professional experience (or 1,000 hours as a jet pilot). Then you go through 2 years of astronaut candidate training.

But the most important qualities are not about being super smart — they are about teamwork, staying calm under pressure, and being able to solve problems when things go wrong. Astronauts have to work well with people from many different countries in a tiny space station for months!