As astronauts, they are part of a select group who probably have some of the most recognizable names in our country. When the space program began in 1959, NASA asked the U.S. Military services to list their members who met specific qualifications. After a series of intense physical and psychological screenings, NASA selected seven men from an original field of 500 candidates. Since then, much has changed. Today, aspiring astronauts compete with an average of 3,500 other applicants for about 20 slots as mission specialists or pilot astronauts that open up every two years.
Competition is keen.
However, any adult man or woman in good physical condition who meets the basic qualifications, including U.S. citizenship, could be selected to enter astronaut training. The minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics from an accredited institution. However, an advanced degree is desirable. Additionally, all applicants must have substantial directly related experience and pilot astronauts must have at least 1,000 hours of experience in jet aircraft. Information on specific experience requirements, as well as additional medical and physical requirements, can be obtained from the Johnson Space Center at the address listed below.