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

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Astronaut Salaries

[{"selector":"#anim-c4c98032-04d2-4d4f-b60d-e44ff3e40e62 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.264975924655257%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 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

[{"selector":"#anim-9c3e6f68-daaf-4464-88fb-9cbc8952b9c6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 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

[{"selector":"#anim-9fbe8ad8-adc8-45cd-9124-066e105bf1fc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, -0.00004353762106390491%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Astronaut s at GS-13 earn ₹70 lakh to ₹96 lakh annually, depending on their step within the grade.

Experienced Earnings

[{"selector":"#anim-c59b9cb2-2afa-4442-9133-613bfa4276e5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-14.132389311833855%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] 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

[{"selector":"#anim-db601c19-d9d4-4a05-9e13-e6ca9b361aa5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(10.05490979334732%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Beyond salaries, astronauts enjoy benefits such as space travel, advanced training, and outreach opportunities to inspire future generations.

Health Coverage

[{"selector":"#anim-b0ea3299-11b6-4ad5-a2c3-b7c3c35fe588 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(36.12996933368751%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Comprehensive health insurance ensures astronauts are supported in managing the physical demands of their profession.

Mission Influence

[{"selector":"#anim-7801f75a-9309-40ce-9841-71d7540f44f2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(18.87081990857572%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Salaries are influenced by mission responsibilities, leadership roles, and rank within the organization.

Insurance Protection

[{"selector":"#anim-20d10cc5-5c6c-4493-8a64-81934f1ff2e5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-60.40600057575026%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] NASA uses the TREAT Astronauts Act and federal provisions to protect astronauts in case of occupational health issues or mission-related incidents.

Global Comparison

[{"selector":"#anim-dd3ddcec-7387-4cbe-a9a4-ac0a5a6fdaed [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] 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

[{"selector":"#anim-48acebb1-8b96-484d-8f47-be5341791b31 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.29155737494559%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] During Apollo 11 , special insurance arrangements were made due to mission risks, setting a precedent for modern astronaut safety measures.

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