Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

Question:
How long does it take to become an astronaut?
Do you have to go to Space Camp?
Melissa Alvin, Eileen Navarro, Jessica Farano.
13 years of age.
Glen Crest Jr. High Glen Ellyn, Illinois
 
Answer:
There are different kinds of astronauts with different types of
training (and Space Camp is REALLY FUN, I've done it). All astronauts
generally have advanced degrees, at least a Masters, so that means
typically 6 years of college. Pilots have to be certified jet pilots
and undergo the most astronaut training, 2 years. Mission specialists
are professional astronauts who perform science missions. Payload
specialists can be ANYONE, they are experts for a particular payload
and frequently are scientists or engineers from industry. Loren Acton
from Lockheed (where I work) was a payload specialist. They have to undergo
one year of training. If you really want to be an astronaut, all that
schooling and training should be FUN for you.
--- Jade