Wanting to become an astronaut, possible?

Hi everyone, i've been really thinking of trying to become an astronaut for a very long time. But i know one needs a great education to do it. I quit school 5 years ago because of financial reasons, and nasa mainly wants people who are graduates who have had great grades in high school. Now, if i had a chance to go to college and prove myself, and pull off great grades, does anyone think they wouldn't mind being a drop outf, if i had really good college grades? Like it or not, even if i do get a chance to go college, i'll be a ged graduate. Well, my main question is, is my dream shot to hell, or could i at least scrounge it up? I know my eyesite isn't to bad, but would be willing to go for laser eye surgery. And i'm tall enough 5"10'.

If you are prepared to put in the work then i believe anything is possible, if you are working then get a home study course and really go for it. I think u will need to be in great physical shape also so get to a gym and create some pain for yourself

Quite a few astroauts have military experience, of course - have you considered joining the airforce as a pilot?? The demands are very high, of course, but there aren't many "job vacances" to go around, so NASA can afford to select the "best".

But, don't be discouraged - if you want it, go for it and good luck!!

Its hard to become astronuat I wont sugar coat it they only have a small number of slots and a lot of people try out.

Astronauts go to all kinds of colleges, from community colleges to Harvard. So you dont have to go to Yale or a school like that. But here are some things you will need.

Astronauts must college degrees in science or engineering.Popular fields for potential astronauts: Aerospace engineering, physics, medicine, electrical engineering. NASA looks for people who are doing lab research -- a doctor working in a lab will have better chances than a doctor in private practice.NASA also gives plus points to people who are good communicators -- both writers and public speakers.

You must be able to work well with others as well you will go through a fair share of mental evaluations. You'll also need to pass a tough physical exam so you have to be in shape.

Avoid run-ins with the law -- A criminal record will keep you out of the Corp.

There is always the Navy route as well become a pilot in the Navy and the door can be open to try to become a Pilot astronaut. They require atleast 1,000 hours of experience flying a jet before you can apply.

www.space.com... ronaut_0900.html



[edit on 1-4-2005 by ShadowXIX]

Originally posted by ufo3
If you are prepared to put in the work then i believe anything is possible, if you are working then get a home study course and really go for it. I think u will need to be in great physical shape also so get to a gym and create some pain for yourself

Well right now, i'm not in a study course, but I am studying for my ged. By home study course, do you mean like brush up on math and science? I know that nasa looks for that. I was thinking of trying to squeeze into nasa before actually trying to become one. So I can really fill out the job, although college would be a pain for me. But is it still possible for me to actually get a scholarship for the recomandations they want? Btw, i'll be 21 in may, I read the link below and it did say that the deadline is 36. Hopefully i can pull it off by then. Another question, what's the name of the people who actually train the astronauts/ or work with them?