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What does Sunita Williams get paid, and how does NASA cover her risks?

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

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Astronaut Salaries

NASA astronauts earn ₹70 lakh to ₹1.27 crore annually under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, based on their experience and qualifications.

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GS Pay Scale

The GS system has 15 grades, with GS-13 to GS-15 assigned to astronauts. Each grade offers incremental pay steps based on seniority and performance.

Astronauts

Entry-Level Pay

Astronauts at GS-13 earn ₹70 lakh to ₹96 lakh annually, depending on their step within the grade.

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Experienced Earnings

At GS-14, mid-level astronauts earn ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore annually. GS-15 astronauts can earn up to ₹1.27 crore.

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Salary Perks

Beyond salaries, astronauts enjoy benefits such as space travel, advanced training, and outreach opportunities to inspire future generations.

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Health Coverage

Comprehensive health insurance ensures astronauts are supported in managing the physical demands of their profession.

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Mission Influence

Salaries are influenced by mission responsibilities, leadership roles, and rank within the organization.

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Insurance Protection

NASA uses the TREAT Astronauts Act and federal provisions to protect astronauts in case of occupational health issues or mission-related incidents.

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Global Comparison

ESA astronauts earn €6,251–€8,964 per month, while Roscosmos cosmonauts earn 300,000–500,000 rubles. SpaceX salaries remain undisclosed but are likely competitive.

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Historic Policies

During Apollo 11, special insurance arrangements were made due to mission risks, setting a precedent for modern astronaut safety measures.