How to Become a NASA Astronaut

Yes, Even Astronauts Need Career Advice

People are applying for some fascinating gigs using CareerPro Global to help them land their dream job. And from my perspective, there’s no bigger dream job than that of an astronaut. Every red-blooded American boy (and girl) had thoughts of becoming an astronaut when they grew up.

The fascination with space, the planets (especially Mars), spaceships, walking on the moon; who wouldn’t be excited about doing that? From Star Wars to Star Trek, we’re all fascinated with outer space. And right now NASA is looking for a few individuals who can’t seem to let go of that childhood dream. Do you have the “right stuff” to be a part of the next crop of American astronauts? If so, NASA has quite the list of projects in the works.

The Latest on NASA

According to their summary on USA JOBS, NASA is quietly doing some pretty cool stuff these days. More spacecraft are in development today than at any other time in history. The goal to go further and further into space is becoming very real. Advances in technology make this more possible than ever. Civilian companies are getting involved too.

NASA is transitioning to the use of commercial spacecraft to transport personnel to the International Space Station (ISS). This shift to the private sector for contracted space travel is unprecedented. The next class of astronauts may fly on any of four different U.S. spacecraft during their careers, the ISS, two new commercial spacecraft being built by U.S. companies, and NASA’s Orion deep-space exploration vehicle.

For the last 15 years, humans have been living continuously aboard the ISS, expanding scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies. Future crewmembers will continue this work. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, now in development, will launch astronauts on missions to the proving ground of lunar orbit. Then they’ll move on to longer duration missions with Mars as the “final frontier.”

To date, NASA has selected more than 300 astronauts to fly on its challenging missions to explore space and benefit life on Earth. More will be needed for future missions, including those beyond low-earth orbit (whatever that means, right?).


The application process

NASA is still very relevant and astronauts are once again in demand. And yes, they must go through an application process like everyone else. It’s more than just a dream you had as a kid. It’s a real job that takes time and effort to complete the entire process. It can be daunting and intimidating to put together a NASA astronaut application—even if you have all the experience, education, and requirements. We have the personnel and experience to help you navigate the process successfully and become an astronaut!

My favorite part of the listed job requirements for astronaut: “Frequent travel may be required.” Missions can last anywhere between 3 and 6 months. Training for long-duration missions is quite taxing and can take up to three years. This training requires extensive travel, including long periods away in other countries training with international partners. An extremely demanding, yet very exciting role. But the demand really begins with the NASA astronaut application.

Astronauts, and so much more

At CareerPro Global, we’re proud to provide professional resumes and coaching for everyone from NASA astronauts to high-level professionals and every career in between. From army privates transitioning to civilian life, to 4-star generals using their expertise in the corporate world. We’ve even completed a package for an aspiring director of FEMA. Our Senior Executive Service (SES) experts deal with such needs on a daily basis.

If you’re hoping to become an astronaut, or to become anything for that matter, we can help get you there. We are an ISO 9001 certified professional resume and career coaching company that can help you reach whatever level you aspire to.

You’ve got to admit, helping someone who wants to be an astronaut is pretty cool indeed. So, if you need help “reaching for the stars”, let us help you make sense the NASA astronaut application and watch your career really take off.

P.S. If you still have that dream and think you have what it takes to be an astronaut, you have until February 18th to apply. Check it out!

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