If you subscribe to Amazon Prime Video, you’ve probably seen “Space Cadet” at the top of your feed this week.
The film has quickly risen to the top of the charts and stars Emma Roberts as an astronaut in training for NASA.
In the film, Roberts’ character Rex manages to get into NASA’s training program by falsifying her resume.
In reality, however, it is much harder to get selected. Since the 1960s, only 360 lucky candidates have made it through the US space agency.
Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut?
If you’re an Amazon Prime Video user, chances are you’ve seen ‘Space Cadet’ at the top of your feed this week. The film has raced to the top of the charts and stars Emma Roberts as a trainee astronaut at NASA
NASA accepts applications for new astronauts on request.
In recent years, however, new candidates are selected approximately every four years.
It’s no surprise that the space agency receives thousands of applications.
“More than 12,000 people applied to become astronauts between March 2 and March 31, 2020,” the organization’s website states.
The requirements for astronauts have changed over the years depending on NASA’s goals and missions.
To be considered for an astronaut position today, applicants must meet four strict criteria.
First, you must be a US citizen to apply.
Next, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a STEM field, such as engineering, biology, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
In the film, Emma Roberts’ character Rex manages to get into NASA’s training program by falsifying her resume
If you don’t have a master’s degree, don’t worry: there are several other ways you can meet these criteria.
This includes two years of work toward a doctoral program in a related STEM field, a completed degree in medicine, osteopathy, or a related medical degree, or completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion of a program by June 2025) of a nationally accredited test pilot school.
Third, candidates must have at least three years of relevant professional experience after obtaining their diploma (or 1,000 hours as a pilot in command, of which at least 850 hours in high-performance jet aircraft for pilots).
“For physicians, time spent in training will count toward experience and must be completed by June 2025,” NASA said.
Finally, you must successfully complete NASA’s Long-Term Astronaut Flight Test.
If you meet all four criteria, you might be rubbing your hands with glee.
But even if you make it this far, you’ll still have to overcome a few obstacles.
NASA recently selected four new astronauts for the Artemis program, which will return humans to the moon. They include Christina Koch (left), Reid Wiseman (bottom center), Victor Glover (top center) and Jeremy Hansen (right)
“NASA’s Astronaut Selection Board reviews the applications and evaluates the qualifications of each candidate,” the space agency said.
‘The board then invites a small group of the most qualified candidates for interviews at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.’
About half of those interviewed are invited for a second interview.
Ultimately, NASA’s new astronaut candidates are selected from this group.
Successful candidates must report for training at the Johnson Space Centre, where they will spend the next two years learning the basic skills of an astronaut.
This includes everything from spacewalks, operating the space station, piloting T-38 jets and controlling a robotic arm.
If you think you have it in you, You can apply here!