What does Sunita Williams get paid, and how does NASA cover her risks?
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
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.
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.
Entry-Level Pay
Astronauts at GS-13 earn ₹70 lakh to ₹96 lakh annually, depending on their step within the grade.
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.
Salary Perks
Beyond salaries, astronauts enjoy benefits such as space travel, advanced training, and outreach opportunities to inspire future generations.
Health Coverage
Comprehensive health insurance ensures astronauts are supported in managing the physical demands of their profession.
Mission Influence
Salaries are influenced by mission responsibilities, leadership roles, and rank within the organization.
Insurance Protection
NASA uses the TREAT Astronauts Act and federal provisions to protect astronauts in case of occupational health issues or mission-related incidents.
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.
Historic Policies
During Apollo 11, special insurance arrangements were made due to mission risks, setting a precedent for modern astronaut safety measures.