Astronaut candidates

[G100F16]

What is your time-horizon (how old are you?). I hope way off, as I hear there's quite a backlog of astronauts right now. Buddy of mine, USAFA, F16,TPS, NASA is one of the more junior astronauts, has been one for 4+ yrs and probably another 2 before he goes vertical. Last he told me, would be awhile before NASA needed more astronauts. If you want, I'll ask him to add comments...

 

[Hogprint]

I'm pretty sure the Army guys are only up for Mission Specialist slots. We have guys that go through TPS, but I don't know of any that went on as Mission Commanders or stick wigglers.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

But I detract…..

I think he means digress.

 

[9GClub]

What is your time-horizon (how old are you?). I hope way off, as I hear there's quite a backlog of astronauts right now. Buddy of mine, USAFA, F16,TPS, NASA is one of the more junior astronauts, has been one for 4+ yrs and probably another 2 before he goes vertical. Last he told me, would be awhile before NASA needed more astronauts. If you want, I'll ask him to add comments...

I'm 21 and tryin to get that ASEL.... looking at USAF/USN OCS as a possibility down the road, but I'd need eye surgery and/or a vision waiver. Even if I was medically qualified, I wouldn't say I'm dying to fly in space, but I was interested in the quals nevertheless. Definitely some high-caliber folks. I'd love to hear comments from your friend at some point when he has a chance. I appreciate it.

 

[psysicx]

You can't have eye surgrey and be in the astronaut program as of now.Hopefull that will change.

 

[garf12]

OH wow, I just went over to NASA to check out some of the BIO's anyone seen the videos up at the top of the main page with people welcoming you to the site. Well first time I got Buzz Aldrin, and the second time around I got some deaf chick who I couldnt understand a word from. Wow.

 

[G100F16]

I'm 21 and tryin to get that ASEL.... looking at USAF/USN OCS as a possibility down the road, but I'd need eye surgery and/or a vision waiver. Even if I was medically qualified, I wouldn't say I'm dying to fly in space, but I was interested in the quals nevertheless. Definitely some high-caliber folks. I'd love to hear comments from your friend at some point when he has a chance. I appreciate it.

9G,

Passed your question to my buddy at NASA. Said to tell you, sorry - has too many pots on the stove to pitch in on this topic (he's the CAPCOM for July 13th mission). He did, however, come check out the comments and said he got a few chuckles at some of our comments...HA!

He and I did the USAFA thing. He was a math major, I was originally Engineering Sciences (aero track) - but later downgraded to General Engr. My advisor (who went on to USAF TPS and Msn Specialist) told me that I was 'closing the door, somewhat' on being an astronaut. So....if rules are the same...I'd plan on a technical BS degree, if available...a technical MS degree... shoot toward USN or USAF TPS via any route. My buddy did F16s too, but not sure if that got him to NASA ahead of any other TPS students. He also is fluent in a couple foreign languages and did exchange tours with other countries (while at USAFA).

Pretty darn competitive. I think I remember hearing only 2% of TPS grads get picked up for NASA....and it's crazy hard just to get into TPS, from my understanding.

Cheers and hope that helps.......

 

[Huggyu2]

I don't know the stats now, but when Challenger Commander Col Scobee got picked up for the Shuttle, he was the first non-fighter pilot to get a Shuttle pilot slot.

 

[FlyWithSean]

Yeah but what would pay and quality of life in space be like psysicx?

 

[9GClub]

G100F16,

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

STS-114 CAPCOM is a decent excuse I guess..... hahaa.