Astronaut

To be an astronaut you need to specialize in aeronautical /aerospace engineering at an advanced level and must also possess a unique blend of personality traits to help manage in long periods of isolation, extended confinement, boredom and uncertainty.

Bachelor in Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics/ Aerospace Engineering/ Other engineering.

Post graduation and Doctorate.

After graduation, you can appear for the entrance exam which is held by the NASA for the recruitment of Scientists and Astronauts.

Though you can work in ISRO in India, scope is limited and the dream company for astronauts all over the world is NASA. NASA takes on specialists from different disciplines including computer engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, optical engineering and also oceanography. You can specialize at the master’s level in any of these disciplines and then do a PhD programme followed by at least three years of related progressively-responsible, professional experience to qualify for a NASA job. Depending on where your interests lie, you can also go for electrical / electronics/ electrical communications engineering before taking up a master’s or PhD in a specialized field of engineering or space science.

Interestingly, over 1/3rd of NASA employees are of Indian origin. The NASA-Ames Research Centre has implemented a new automated recruiting and staffing system called NASA STARS. For more information on how to apply, please visit the NASA website.

For information on other student programmes or job opportunities, visit the following websites:

NASA Jobs

Federal Government Student Jobs

Education Associates Programme (EAP)

Undergraduate Student Research Programme (USRP)

Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Programme (SHARP)

• Bihar Institute of Technology, Mesra and Ranchi University which offer ME in space engineering and rocketry.
• Andhra University, Osmania University and Anna University offer MSc programmes in atmospheric and space sciences.
• Bangalore’s Indian Institute of Astrophysics offers PhD programmes in astronomy and astrophysics.
• Selection to these institutes is through a Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). The minimum qualification required to take the JEST is a master’s degree in physics or a degree in engineering.