NASA has opened applications for the next class of astronauts, and the application deadline is April 2.
Johnson Space Center, USA:
After two years of rigorous training, ten Americans officially became astronauts on Tuesday and are now qualified to fly on NASA’s planned missions to the International Space Station, the moon and — if all goes well — to Mars.
Two Emiratis who trained with them also graduated on Tuesday in a ceremony at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Members of the class, nicknamed “The Flies,” were selected from more than 12,000 applicants in 2021, and their training includes simulated space walks, robotics, space station systems and more.
“You’re here because you’re great,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. We ask you to sit on the tip of a rocket and risk your life to advance our nation’s goal of exploring the unknown. “
They include fighter pilots, scientists, engineers, scientists and doctors, from both the military and civilian fields.
Christina Birch, who holds a PhD in bioengineering, recalls the camaraderie that developed during the team’s time together.
“After a week of survival training in the backcountry of Alabama, when all other MRE (rations) food was gone, we shared the last bag of peanut M&Ms together,” she said.
“I know that all fruit flies feel a strong sense of responsibility and excitement about what happens next,” she added. “We feel ready.”
NASA immediately opened applications for the next class of astronauts, with the deadline for applications being April 2. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen with a graduate degree in a scientific or technical field, or have been pursuing a doctoral degree for at least two years, or hold a doctoral medical degree, or be enrolled in test pilot school.
Salary is $152,258 – the job listing indicates remote work is not an option.
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