A special pen had to be invented for astronauts to be able to write while in space. This pen uses a rubber-like ink that also works well underwater. Every two years, NASA must choose new members of the astronaut corps. Thousands of people from all over the world apply to become NASA astronauts, but only about twenty are chosen. In order to become an astronaut, a person must work well with people, be able to communicate well, be eager to do the job, have work experience, have good grades, and have a college degree.
Most future astronauts take a lot of science and math.
It is very hard, and sometimes very dangerous, to be an astronaut. Once selected to join the astronaut corps, training begins at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Astronauts practice all of the jobs they will need to know during their space mission. They practice these jobs many, many times. Some astronauts learn to drive the Space Shuttle.