Did You Know?
A single NASA spacesuit, called an Extravehicular Mobility Unit, costs approximately $12 million and takes about 45 minutes to put on, with help from another crew member.
The Numbers Behind the Career
NASA astronauts earn a starting salary between $75,000 and $152,000 depending on experience and federal pay grade.
NASA has approximately 44 active astronauts.
NASA's most recent astronaut class received over 12,000 applications for just 10 positions, making it one of the most selective hiring processes in any profession.
Where This Career Is Headed
The next decade of human spaceflight is shaping up to be the most ambitious since the Apollo era. NASA's Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually establish a sustained presence there, while private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing spacecraft designed for missions to Mars and beyond. Commercial space stations are being planned to replace the aging International Space Station, opening new opportunities for research, manufacturing, and even tourism in low Earth orbit. As space exploration expands, the need for astronauts with diverse scientific, engineering, and medical expertise will grow alongside entirely new career paths that do not yet exist.
NASA's Artemis program and future Mars missions will require new classes of astronauts trained for long-duration deep space exploration.
The growth of commercial space companies is creating new astronaut and crew positions outside of government space agencies, broadening access to spaceflight careers.
Planned commercial space stations will expand opportunities for astronauts to conduct research in fields like medicine, materials science, and biology in microgravity environments.
Education & Certification
Becoming a NASA astronaut requires a strong educational foundation and significant professional experience. At a minimum, candidates must hold a master's degree in a STEM field such as engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. A doctoral degree or a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) also qualifies, as does completion of a nationally recognized test pilot school program. Beyond education, NASA requires at least two years of related professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astronaut candidates who are selected then undergo approximately two years of intensive training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, covering spacewalk procedures, robotics, spacecraft systems, survival training, Russian language, and more.
To Prepare...
Focus on math and science courses, especially physics, biology, chemistry, and calculus, which provide the academic foundation required for STEM degrees and astronaut candidacy.
Develop physical fitness habits early, as astronauts must pass rigorous physical exams and maintain peak conditioning throughout their training and missions.
Seek out STEM enrichment programs, space camps, robotics clubs, and science competitions that build technical skills and expose you to the disciplines astronauts rely on
Spotlight: Explore the Life of a Astronaut
Explore more resources for a future Astronaut
Sally Ride Biography For Kids
Jimmy Zabel
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Ride trained for years in physics, engineering, and spacecraft systems before her mission, showing kids the rigorous academic path that real astronauts follow.
The Story of Neil Armstrong: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)
Sarah L. Thomson
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Armstrong spent decades as a test pilot and engineer before walking on the moon, showing kids that astronaut careers are built on years of progressive training and technical mastery.
First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong
James R. Hansen
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Armstrong's career progressed from combat pilot to test pilot to NASA astronaut, illustrating the structured, multi-stage career path that leads to spaceflight.