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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' work experience, for example in scientific research, computing or aerospace engineering, or substantial experience as a jet pilot
  • to speak English fluently – you'll also be taught Russian for certain missions, for instance to work on the International Space Station

There is no strict age limit, though most selected astronauts have been in their late 20s to late 40s.

You'll undergo rigorous physical, medical and psychological testing as part of the application process.

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

You'll receive several years' training before you're ready to be assigned to a mission. Once selected, you'll get extra mission-specific training. You can also join a space agency's reserve astronaut team.

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 to 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
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • physical skills like flexibility, balance and co-ordination
  • observation and recording skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • 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 areas like spacecraft operations, working in low gravity, flight simulation and emergency procedures
  • do scientific experiments and research activities in space
  • monitor the crew's physical and mental health during missions
  • carry out maintenance and repairs inside and outside of the spacecraft
  • deal with technical issues and unexpected events
  • work closely with the ground control team, giving and receiving updates
  • support space exploration and research projects back on Earth
  • promote space careers through interviews, public talks and social media
  • keep up to date with developments in new technology

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 analysis
  • electronics engineering
  • aerospace design

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

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Data Science)

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 13 September 2027
  • Location: Birmingham

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

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 13 September 2027
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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