Skip to main content
Get careers information and advice

Beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Astronaut

Astronaut

Alternative titles for this job include

Astronauts fly spacecraft, conduct experiments, carry out maintenance and promote interest in science and space exploration.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

Variable

You could work

days / nights / weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this career by applying directly.

Direct Application

You can apply for selection to join an astronaut training programme with the European Space Agency (ESA).

You can also apply to NASA’s training programme if you hold US dual citizenship.

You'll need a degree and a postgraduate qualification in a subject, such as:

  • computer science
  • engineering
  • medicine
  • aeronautics
  • mathematics
  • artificial intelligence
  • biology, physics or chemistry

Your postgraduate qualification should be a minimum of a 2-year master's degree, or 2 years of a PhD, in a relevant subject.

You’ll also need:

  • 3 years' relevant work experience, for example in scientific research, computing or aerospace engineering, or substantial experience as a jet pilot
  • to speak English fluently – language skills are valuable for astronauts working in international teams, and you may be taught extra languages, depending on the mission
  • to pass rigorous physical, medical and psychological testing as part of the application process

Age requirements and selection criteria can vary by space agency and recruitment campaign. Selected astronauts are often in their 30s or 40s, reflecting the qualifications and professional experience normally required.

After selection, you'll receive several years' training before you're ready to be assigned to a mission. This may include long periods spent overseas. Once assigned, you'll get further mission-specific training. You can also join a space agency's reserve astronaut team.

The recruitment process is very competitive, with only a small number of astronaut training places available at any one time.

More Information

Career tips

As well as astronaut training, ESA offers several work experience and training schemes for university students to work on projects and do research in the space industry.

ESA also runs an Astronaut Reserve and a parastronaut programme, widening the route into spaceflight training for more people, including physically disabled people.

Further information

You can discover more about careers in the space industry from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to understand complex information
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • physical skills like flexibility, balance and co-ordination
  • observation, recording and reporting skills
  • the ability to work and remain calm in demanding environments
  • knowledge of maths
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • pass a medical check
  • have a good level of fitness

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an astronaut you could:

  • train in low gravity settings, flight simulation and emergency procedures
  • do scientific experiments and research activities in space
  • monitor the crew's physical and mental health during missions
  • maintain and repair the inside and outside of spacecraft
  • quickly assess and deal with technical issues and unexpected events
  • send and receive mission updates to and from ground control
  • work closely with international teams and colleagues
  • support, analyse and report on ground-based research
  • represent your country and space agency at public events between missions, through talks, interviews, social media content and education

Working environment

You could work at a training centre.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and cramped.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

As part of a spacecraft crew, you might work in a particular role, such as:

  • mission leader
  • spacecraft pilot
  • research scientist
  • medical officer

You could also work in commercial spaceflight as the private sector space industry expands.

There are lots of other roles in the space industry that support space programmes and advances in technology.

In-demand skills include:

  • software engineering
  • data systems and data analysis
  • electronics engineering
  • aerospace design
  • robotics and satellite servicing
  • radio frequency (RF) engineering

Skills in the use of artificial intelligence in all areas are also highly sought after.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an astronaut right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Software Engineering (Game Development) - Foundation Degree (Progression from Cert HE)*

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 13 September 2027
  • Location: Blackpool

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Data Science)

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 13 September 2027
  • Location: Birmingham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Related careers

Astronomer

Research scientist

Physicist

Aerospace engineer

RAF officer

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.