Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Path: utzoo!henry
From: henry@utzoo.uucp (Henry Spencer)
Subject: Re: NASA Selection
Message-ID: <1990Feb26.164741.23717@utzoo.uucp>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
References: <0ZuAFgK00Uh_M28MJm@andrew.cmu.edu>
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 90 16:47:41 GMT

In article <0ZuAFgK00Uh_M28MJm@andrew.cmu.edu> bb1v+@andrew.cmu.edu (Barry Lowell Brumitt) writes:
>I remember a long while back there was a discussion on how NASA selects
>astronauts, etc etc... I'd like to know more. I know they divide up into
>pilots and mission specialists etc, but how are they chosen... and
>better yet, how does one apply? ...

Here's the latest version of my occasional posting on the subject:

Q. How do I become an astronaut?

A. We will assume you mean a NASA astronaut, since it's probably impossible
	for a Westerner to get into the Soviet program, and the other nations
	have so few astronauts (and fly even fewer) that you're better off
	hoping to win a lottery.  Becoming a shuttle pilot requires lots
	of fast-jet experience, which means a military flying career; forget
	that unless you want to do it anyway.  So you want to become a
	shuttle "mission specialist".

	If you aren't a US citizen, become one; that is a must.  After that,
	the crucial thing to remember is that the demand for such jobs vastly
	exceeds the supply.  NASA's problem is not finding qualified people,
	but thinning the lineup down to manageable length.  It is not enough
	to be qualified; you must avoid being *dis*qualified for any reason,
	many of them in principle quite irrelevant to the job.

	Get a Ph.D.  Specialize in something that involves getting your hands
	dirty with equipment, not just paper and pencil.  Forget computer
	programming entirely; it will be done from the ground for the fore-
	seeable future.  Be in good physical condition, with good eyesight.
	(DO NOT get a radial keratomy or similar hack to improve your vision;
	nobody knows what sudden pressure changes would do to RKed eyes, and
	the long-term effects are poorly understood.  For that matter, avoid
	any other significant medical unknowns.)  Practise public speaking,
	and be conservative and conformist in appearance and actions; you've
	got a tough selling job ahead, trying to convince a cautious,
	conservative selection committee that you are better than hundreds
	of other applicants.  (And, also, that you will be a credit to NASA
	after you are hired:  public relations is a significant part of the
	job, and NASA's image is very prim and proper.)  The image you want
	is squeaky-clean workaholic yuppie.  Remember also that you will
	need a security clearance at some point, and the security people
	consider everybody guilty until proven innocent.  Keep your nose
	clean.  Get a pilot's license and make flying your number one hobby;
	experienced pilots are known to be favored even for non-pilot jobs.
	Work for NASA; of 45 astronauts selected between 1984 and 1988,
	43 were military or NASA employees, and the remaining two were
	a NASA consultant and Mae Jemison (the first black female astronaut).
	Think space:  they want highly motivated people, so lose no chance
	to demonstrate motivation.  Keep trying.  Be lucky.
-- 
"The N in NFS stands for Not, |     Henry Spencer at U of Toronto Zoology
or Need, or perhaps Nightmare"| uunet!attcan!utzoo!henry henry@zoo.toronto.edu