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MonkeyMoney101 t1_j27j6xl wrote

If it's one of your biggest wishes isn't it worth the hassle? Besides, even if you study to be an astronaut and don't make it, you'll still have a strong science background to fall back on and have a career that's still pretty related to space.

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27ji6g wrote

I just really dont wanna train and study and then get my heartbroken yk? But thank you tho!

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HOU-RU t1_j27k13g wrote

Why not? If that training leads to a career with NASA or ESA, wouldn’t that be a great outcome? I know quite a few NASA employees (living in Houston, it’s common) and their jobs just fill me with wonder and the little space geek in me cannot get enough.

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TheAstroGunner t1_j27kui9 wrote

ESA recruit every few years. Main requirements (I believe) :

  • A degree of some sort in science or engineering
  • Be able to speak russian
  • physically and mentally fit and healthy
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iamkeerock t1_j27orno wrote

I would bet the ability to speak Russian would be dropped soon, if not already.

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BuffaloInCahoots t1_j27km7m wrote

I wouldn’t put everything on actually getting into space but you can still work towards it and set yourself up to be one of the few available for it. If it’s your dream it’s absolutely worth trying for and even if it doesn’t work out, being in a position to be chosen still puts you close to the action. Basically, If it’s really that important to you, do everything you can to be put on the short list but think of actually getting into space as icing on the cake.

Not sure how it is in the U.K. In the states, over half the astronauts have been military.

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27l0r0 wrote

Thank you! Airforce was my 2nd choice of job so i wouldnt mind doing time in the military but going to space is my biggest goal so i will try my best to work towards it

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YesWeHaveNoTomatoes t1_j27p1ua wrote

Before you join the military, and while you're in if they'll let you (in the US they often pay for members to take graduate degrees), and afterward as necessary, take as much science and/or engineering as you can. Try to get at least one post-graduate degree in a field related to something you would do in space, whether a practical degree such as medicine or engineering, or a science like biology or chemistry. Two is better, but regardless pick stuff you like because you need to get top marks.

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Baldmofo t1_j27nfsf wrote

Space Force, we will probably see space based warfare in the next 10 years.

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mca62511 t1_j27l1eh wrote

As a former "wanted-to-be-an-astronaut-when-a-teenager" myself who is now in my mid-thirties and very much not an astronaut:

Do it.

You know the percentage of people who try to become an astronaut and succeed? I don't. It's probably not high, but I know it is above 0%.

You know the percentage of people who secretly wish to become an astronaut but never do anything about it who go on to become an astronaut? That one definitely is 0%.

I feel like one of my bigger mistakes in life was listening to all the adults saying, "You shouldn't try to become an X because very few people succeed." Yeah, but if the people who did succeed listened to that advice, they wouldn't be where they are today. The only way you can succeed at those difficult-to-achieve-goals is to put your whole life into it. You can't succeed at them by making them the backup "maybe someday" options.

And you know what? You can fail at doing the "safe" option too. You can go get a business degree and still end up in a minimum wage job in your 30s.

At least fail at trying to achieve something you love. You might even succeed!

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27lp2u wrote

Thank you alot this really helped me because i live in the middle of no where and doubt myself constantly and as other people have said even if i dont get into space ill still have qualifications for other jobs i would love to do!

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djlawson1000 t1_j27ono5 wrote

Lots of astronauts have come from homes “in the middle of nowhere”. If this is truly something you want, then I would say absolutely begin now. Prioritize your studies and your physical fitness. Read books about astronauts and how they got to where they are. You need to understand, this is a lofty goal, but the fact that you’re only 15 and thinking about this is an excellent start. If you work hard, make good choices, and surround yourself with people that can help you, I believe you can make something great of yourself. There’s no better time to start on your dreams then right now!

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on_island_time t1_j27orvi wrote

You should read Homer Hickham's biography Rocket Boys if you haven't. He grew up in a coal mining family and went on to become a NASA engineer, it can be done.

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Alarmed_Economics_90 t1_j27j324 wrote

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27jdra wrote

Thank you!

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ScorpiosAlpha t1_j27kvb1 wrote

I'm an aerospace engineer in grad school right now who went into the field for the same reasons you mentioned. I once got the chance to speak with a shuttle astronaut about this exact topic: his advice is that, even as an astronaut, you spend very little time in space, and most of your career is working on the ground. His advice, then, is to find a focus or career that you enjoy doing, as you'll spend a lot of time doing that regardless of whether you end up an astronaut. But even with that in mind, I'd say to go for it! I think that, even if things don't go exactly as you imagine, you'll find something to be passionate and excited about; I know I did!

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27lfxl wrote

Thank you tons! I dont mind spending a small time up there as long as i get up there i dont care and it would still be amazing and i know i would enjoy it

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Folknasty t1_j27m9p3 wrote

I wanted to be a surgeon my entire life up until around the age of 15. At 15 I decided I wanted to go to space and become an astronaut. I gave it my all and even set out a life plan to accomplish this:

  1. Study physics in college. Age 18-22
  2. Go to medical school and become a surgeon. Age 22-34
  3. Have the Air Force pay for my medical school.
  4. Spend time in the Air Force, since I'd have to if they're going to pay for my schooling, but get my pilots license in the meantime. Age 34-44. Most likely required ten years of service, but maybe only 34-39. I'd also be an officer with a medical degree.
  5. Join NASA. I'd be a surgeon with a physics degree and pilot's license, as well as retired military. Seems like an appropriate resume to become an astronaut.

However, as I was on the path towards medical school, even though I was a physics major, I was required to take other necessary classes such as chemistry and organic chemistry. So, my third year in college I changed my major to chemistry because I had fallen in love with it.

Do I regret not sticking with my original plan from over half my life ago? Not at all. I've been working as a chemist for a decade now and I still love it. However, to be honest, my dream now is to one day open a restaurant/bar (maybe even multiple).

So, the point of my story is that you'll change as a person as you age, and your dreams and passions will also change in the process. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything it takes to accomplish that dream. You'll grow by venturing out, learning new skills, trying new things, and it's even possible (and highly likely) that you might discover another dream or goal along the way that you find much more exciting.

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27n8sv wrote

THANK YOU OMG, ive always wanted to have a job relating to science (marine biologist, vet, aerospace engineer, nuclear engineer and a physicist) and ill have those to fall back on so i wont be completely lost and i think you should go for owning a restaurant that would be so cool!

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Most-Hawk-4175 t1_j27ldu9 wrote

The fact corporations are sending more and more people into space will make your chances a lot better than people in previous generations. And a new space race with US and China seems to be around the corner.

Join the air force and get a science degree. Being a stand out excellent pilot will put you at the top of the list. Getting a science degree or engineering degree as well will help you. Good luck.

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danceswitwolf t1_j27kskk wrote

You have to have a certain amount of flight hours, I recommend getting familiar with aircraft and get into a plane with a pilot that can show you how to fly!!!

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AbsentThatDay t1_j27mkii wrote

Beyond taking STEM classes, to achieve your goals it's important to avoid doing things that will begin to make you drift away from your dream. Don't get caught up in drugs or alcohol, stay physically fit, develop a routine and think about routine as your training partner. When you're young, your behavior is malleable and easily shaped, as you get older it can become harder to change your ways. It is easier to stay right-minded than it is to get right-minded.

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hipchazbot t1_j27mw77 wrote

Might want to look at joining the airforce. In the US people from the airforce get preference for astronaut applications because of there flight experience.

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Reitsch t1_j27k4ol wrote

It's definitely possible, but do be realistic about your chances. It's far more probable to just work in the space industry.

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TheNarwhaaaaal t1_j27lnhm wrote

If every major decision you make pushes you toward the goal of being an astronaut, the probability is fairly high that you will make it there.

Source: design satellites

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Saint-Andrew t1_j27lv8p wrote

If you look at most previous astronauts for NASA, you’ll notice a military theme. Navy and Airforce pilots, especially “test” pilots, fill out most of the spaces. Not to say that civilians can’t make it, but just wanted to point out another potential avenue to achieve your dream.

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AtlNik79 t1_j27m8kk wrote

The chances are astronomical 🤣 but fr good luck

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mcarterphoto t1_j27mz52 wrote

Specific: NASA is pretty open about what they're looking for and ways to get a foot in the door. Be the kid that bugs them, calls the switchboard, calls the PR folks, tries to get a human being for a moment. Make it a goal to actually talk to an astronaut on the phone. Start networking now.

General: I was a corporate art director but fell in love with the photo shoots. Took me 9 years, but I went free lance as a photographer in the late 90's and did lots of fashion and product. That was over three decades ago, I still do it but these days, more video than stills and I love it. Obsession and drive will take you a lonnnnnng way - drive and desire are amazing forces to harness. I was shooting free-lance work at night in my garage when everyone else was watching "friends" in a daze, and then getting up and returning to my cubicle the next morning. I've sat up all night learning to animate and composite green screen footage while devouring all the info I could. And it was a total blast. (And I taught my son stop motion animation when he was like 12, he's an animator for Adult Swim now and killin' it - he's got some of dad's DNA). Make a plan, adjust your plan, dig in and never think "I'm only 15" or whatever. Neil Armstrong was 15 once.

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27nlje wrote

THANK YOU!!!! You have no idea how helpful this was

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Pakutto t1_j27n0pn wrote

You have to ask yourself - is this dream so important to you that you'll either "achieve it or die trying"? If so, then it's certainly worth the hassle.

Especially because even if something happens and you don't get into space yourself, you could still find yourself working with space studies all the time by working with NASA or something of that nature. And working with something you love, even in smaller capacity, is still better than nothing.

You also have to ask yourself... What would hurt more? Trying and failing - or giving up early, then later regretting that you never gave it a chance? Do you fear heartbreak, more than you love space?

Or put another way - which would you prefer: Some chance of heartbreak with some chance of space... or no chance of heartbreak, but no chance of space either?

These are very personal questions. But they can help you figure out how badly you want it. For some people, they realize they could be happier if they pursued something a bit easier. And that's perfectly okay. But for others, they couldn't imagine giving up the chase. I know what it's like to have a dream, and I have so much passion for mine that it scares me terribly not to try to make it happen. Because I know I could forgive myself for failing, but I couldn't possibly forgive myself for throwing my precious dream away on purpose.

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MisFitLoves OP t1_j27nsqp wrote

I will do everything in my will power to get there i promise myself that i wont give up at all

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davidswelt t1_j27ngwy wrote

Actually, I know a woman who ended up as an astronaut with NASA. A pilot, and a PhD in, I think, marine biology. Is it likely? Not really. Is it possible? Absolutely!

OP would need to look hard at the options for her as a UK citizen. Remaining a resident there, there may be no pathway to the space agencies of the US, the EU or Russia. Private companies should hire too (and I bet they pay better!). Either way, I’d pursue a lucrative and rewarding career before getting myself hired for an astronaut role!

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must-love-bogs t1_j27nr96 wrote

Getting the skills you need to get into space will lead you to a life you love.

You don’t go to astronaut school, you become a scientist/pilot etc.

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youtocin t1_j27nxg3 wrote

It's always good to set a dream goal and work toward it. Life, of course, isn't simple and sometimes as opportunities or hardships arise, your path will deviate. When that happens, evaluate your path and set new goals. Realistically, you probably won't end up getting to your 15 year old self's dream goal, but that's okay. That's life.

Just keep moving forward and don't get hung up comparing yourself to others or letting your past drag you down. Keep setting realistic goals that you can work toward.

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Jezon t1_j27o1pw wrote

So the plain odds are in the last 70 years there have been 100s of astronauts and 1,000,000,000's of people born so the roughest odds you're looking at are 1 in 10,000,000. But in the next 70 years we can expect 1000s of astronaut so now the rough odds are 1 in 1,000,000. Obviously being born in a first world country and perusing a background of science, engineering, or piloting can increase those odds significantly. But realistically every astronaut has been pretty lucky as well as driven and qualified. I think the quote "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll be among the stars" applies here. Go for it, and apply yourself, even if you 'fail' your education and experience will come in handy with whatever career you land yourself into.

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beebs44 t1_j27o1xk wrote

I thought you just had to drink a lot of TANG.

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freemason777 t1_j27ojml wrote

During a visit to the NASA Space Centre in 1962, President Kennedy noticed a janitor carrying a broom. He interrupted his tour, walked over to the man and said: “Hi, I'm Jack Kennedy, what are you doing?” The janitor responded: “I'm helping put a man on the moon, Mr President.”

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Flash635 t1_j27oq1a wrote

On the bright side there are more corporations going to space now and there will be a lot more openings by the time you're qualified.

There used to be a time when only government employees could go to space.

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Honest_Switch1531 t1_j27ozez wrote

At the moment there is very little chance (but not zero) of becoming an astronaut. Studying engineering (don't do a pure science) may give you a chance of becoming an astronaut.

However if SpaceX is successful in building a fully reusable spacecraft (starship) there may be many more opportunities in becoming an astronaut, as space flight may increase dramatically.

So study engineering and other things that may lead to becoming an astronaut, even if you don't you will have a good career to fall back on.

Good luck.

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AutisticMuffin97 t1_j27ozon wrote

In order to get into space you need to be of officer rank. The best degrees to get are:

  1. Astrophysics

  2. Engineering

  3. Physics

  4. Aerospace Engineering

You need to be incredibly fit, you need to be in peak physical shape, mentally and physically. So you can’t be claustrophobic, depressed, have anxiety, etc.

It also helps if you have a degree in a minor like Russian, Hebrew, Spanish etc. knowing a different language can really help.

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iamkeerock t1_j27p4es wrote

In 15 years you may be able to purchase an Earth 2 Earth flight on a SpaceX Starship as a passenger for the equivalent price of a Concorde transatlantic flight. While that won’t earn you Astronaut’s wings, you would make it space.

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sleemanj t1_j27jzjk wrote

Earn very large amount of money, buy ticket. Easier to achieve that than to become one through scientific or military path I would wager,

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SpartanJack17 t1_j27oui7 wrote

Hello u/MisFitLoves, your submission "Likely-hood of becoming an astronaut" has been removed from r/space because:

  • Such questions should be asked in the "All space questions" thread stickied at the top of the sub.

Please read the rules in the sidebar and check r/space for duplicate submissions before posting. If you have any questions about this removal please message the r/space moderators. Thank you.

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RocketPop32 t1_j282af3 wrote

Jose Hernandez applied 12 times before he was accepted as an astronaut. Get qualified and be persistent.

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