Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
After a four-year hiatus, NASA announces the commencement of recruitment for new astronaut candidates, signalling an exciting opportunity for aspiring space explorers.
With an overwhelming response in previous years, NASA anticipates intense competition for the limited spots available. In 2020, over 12,000 applicants vied for just 10 positions, reflecting the rigorous selection criteria set by the space agency.
The resurgence of interest in space exploration, particularly with the US's ambitious plans to return to the Moon, offers a multitude of exciting prospects for future astronaut missions.
Prospective candidates must meet specific educational and experiential prerequisites, including backgrounds in fields such as piloting, medicine, or engineering. Successful applicants will undergo rigorous training for approximately two years, focusing on essential skills like spacewalking, robotics, and teamwork.
The position is based in Houston and offers an annual salary of approximately $152,000, with additional perks such as extensive travel opportunities. This salary falls within the upper salary tiers for federal jobs in the Houston area, as per FederalPay.org.
The starting salary for astronaut candidates ranges from $105,000 to $161,000, as posted by NASA in 2020, reflecting the competitive compensation package offered by the space agency.
Interested individuals have until April 2 to submit their applications for consideration, marking the culmination of a rigorous selection process to identify the next generation of astronauts poised to embark on groundbreaking missions beyond Earth's confines.