Astronauts: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview There are people whose passion is to study what is happening and what is within the space that man has not yet explored. They are called astronauts. Astronauts gather information and findings and conduct experiments while they are in a space flight. Their job is mainly to expolre the world beyond the earth's atmosphere, test equipment that may be used for further navigation in space, and conduct studies with the spacecraft itself so as to discover newer concepts in engineering and outerspace studies, and develop designs of space vehicles and tools, based on these concepts. Dated back 1959, the number of astronauts in the world is only seven. Today, because the increasing interest in space exploration due to the previous discoveries of these veteran astronauts the number of astronauts in the U.S. sapce program alone is estimated to be around 95, with 11 other candidates. From the year 1959 to the year 2004, there had been around 321 astronauts selected in the 19 groups of different astronomical programs.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Astronauts can either be a male or a female. As early as highschool, upon determination of one's interest in astronomy, preapratory subjects can be taken already. These are subjects in Sciences like Physics and Mathematics. A person who aspires to be one should have a very good physical condition to be able to get selected in the training being provided by the NASA. To become a mission specialist, a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biolgical Science, Mathematics or Physical Science should be obtained plus a passing mark on the NASA physical test. To become a pilot, there are three major requirements needed. A bachelor's degree in one of the four said areas, and an advanced degree that is preferable. The candidates must also be jet pilots and passers of the NASA physical test.
Skills and Abilities
Astronauts must be deeply interested in what they are doing and what they will be doing in the future. They shoulid be innately curious about the outside world in space, as well as prepared for all the dangers involved in any mission. Research skills and critical thinking skills are needed. For the pilot and the commanders, leadership and management skills must be present. Overall, mechanical and techincal skills expected in flying or manning a spacecraft should be mastered before being considered to join any of the outerspace mission.
Duties
Majority of the astronauts area ssigned to the job doing researches. They carry out feasibility studies by way of conducting experiments in engineering, medical and scientific in nature, in the space settings. Aside from this, they are also tasked to operate the spacecraft, as well as maintain them daily inside and out. They also do launching and recapturing of man made sattelintes in space. Today's spacecraft is now composed of a team of astronauts ratehr than just two or three. The basic crew of one space shuttle includes a commnader, a pilot, and three mission specialists at the very least.
For the astronaut pilots and commanders, they are in charge of the overall supervision as well as manning the aircraft and spacecrafts. Comamnders are the ones in charge of the mission. They manuever, and supervise the whole operation of the flight as well as ensure the safety and success of it. The pilots assist the commander and help him control and operate the orbiter. They may also be in charge of assiting the commander in maneuvering sattelites using remote control systems. The mission specialists are the ones working along with these two bosses. They are also trained astronauts working on specific assignments such as researches and experiments outside the orbiter. They handle the many details involved in fulfilling the mission.
Job Outlook and Earnings
The profession has a very tight competition for employment. Only a few selected ones are being accepted in few outer space mission or programs. The starting salary for astronauts is around 46,000 U.S. dollars per year. As they advance in position, the salary also increases. For those who are already experienced in the field, the salary ranges from 65,000 to 85,000 U.S. dollars per annum. In addition, they are also entitles to the usual benefits such as vacation and sick leaves, retirement and health insurance as well as bonuses for excellent performance.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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