• What is the best degree field to choose?
  
  Among the academic fields considered qualifying for Astronaut Candidate positions, we would not recommend one over another or specify which might be more appropriate in the future. You should choose a field of study that is of interest to you; this will ensure that, whatever course your career takes, you will be prepared to do something that is personally satisfying. You can obtain information on the backgrounds of the current and past astronauts at the following website: 
  
  http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/ 
   
• Are there age restrictions?
  
  There are no age restrictions for the program. Astronaut candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46, with the average age being 34.
   
• Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for the Astronaut Candidate Program?
  
  Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen to apply for the program through NASA. It is not recommended that you change your citizenship solely for the purpose of being eligible for the Astronaut Candidate Program. 
  
  There are two types of astronauts that are not U.S. citizens--International Astronauts and Payload Specialist Astronauts. The countries with which we have an international agreement-Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil, and Europe select the International Astronaut. Each of these countries has their own Space Agency. 
  
  Payload specialists are persons other than NASA astronauts (pilots or mission specialists) whose presence is required on board the Space Shuttle to perform specialized functions related to the payload or other essential mission activities. Payload specialists are nominated by NASA, the foreign sponsor, or the designated payload sponsor (private companies, universities, etc.). 
  
  You can obtain information about other space agencies at the following website:
  
  International Space Agencies
  
  
• What is the best college or university to attend?
  
  NASA cannot recommend one college or university over another, or specify which schools might best prepare an individual for the Astronaut Candidate Program. However, please remember that the college or university you attend must be an accredited institution. 
   
• Is flying experience necessary?
  
  Although flying experience is only a requirement for the Pilot Astronaut Candidate, it is also beneficial for the Mission Specialist Astronaut Candidate. The Pilots selected have had military pilot training. The Mission Specialists with flying experience have attained it either in the military or through private lessons.
   
• Are waivers granted for any of the medical requirements?
  
  No, NASA does not grant waivers for the medical requirements. When qualifying astronauts for space flight, NASA must look at not only what is required for normal Shuttle operations, but also what each astronaut would require should serious, even life threatening, problems develop. For maximum crew safety, each crewmember must be free of medical conditions that would either impair the person's ability to participate in, or be aggravated by, space flight, as determined by NASA physicians.
   
• Is surgery to improve visual acuity allowed?
  
  As of September 2007, the refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects.  For those applicants under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested.
   
• Is it better to apply as a civilian or through the military?
  
  Military experience is not a requirement for the Astronaut Candidate Program. While military flight experience is advantageous for Pilot Astronaut Candidate positions, it is not necessarily a factor for Mission Specialist Astronaut Candidate positions. Of the 94 Mission Specialists currently onboard, 32 are military and 62 are civilian. Obtaining military experience must be your own decision. Active duty military personnel must submit applications for the Astronaut Candidate Program through their respective service. After preliminary screening by the military, a small number of applications are submitted to NASA for further consideration. If selected, military personnel are detailed to NASA for a selected period of time.
   
• What is the annual salary for astronauts?
  
  

  Salaries for civilian Astronaut Candidates are based upon the Federal Government's General Schedule pay scale for grades GS-11 through GS-14. The grade is determined in accordance with each individual's academic achievements and experience. Currently a GS-11 starts at $59,493per year and a GS-14 can earn up to $130,257 per year.
  
  Military Astronaut Candidates are detailed to the Johnson Space Center and remain in an active duty status for pay, benefits, leave, and other similar military matters.

• Will NASA send a child into space?
  
  While NASA appreciates the enthusiasm young people have shown in wanting to take part in the Space Program, there are no plans at this time to send children into space. Maybe one day this will be possible, but it will most likely be far in the future when space travel becomes an everyday occurrence.
  
  NASA has many programs that allow children to become involved with NASA and learn more about space. Information on these programs is available at the following websites: 
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/index.html 
  
  http://education.nasa.gov/ 
  
  
• How do I apply through USAJOBS?
  1. Make sure your Pop-Up Blocker is turned off.
  2. You must Create a Resume through USAJOBS first.
  3. Search Jobs for the Astronaut Candidate position or Vacancy Announcement number.
  4. Select the Astronaut Candidate vacancy announcement.
  5. Apply Online for the Astronaut Candidate position.
  6. You will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your resume.
  7. If you were not linked to the Astronaut Specific Forms after completing your application to the Astronaut Candidate position, you can get to the forms from the link in the e-mail acknowledging receipt of your resume.
  8. Complete the forms.  You must Submit the forms to complete the application process.
     
     
• Can I update my resume and/or forms after I have submitted them?
  
  You can update your resume or forms any time before the closing date.  If you update your resume you will have to reapply to the Vacancy Announcement through USAJOBS.  If you update your forms you will have to resubmit them.

The application date will change anytime you make an update. The date of your application will not affect our consideration of your application. We will not be reviewing any of the applications until after the closing date.

• How do I update my application after the closing date of the vacancy announcement?

Updates after the closing date should be submitted by e-mail to astronaut.selection@mail.nasa.gov or mailed to

NASA Johnson Space Center
Astronaut Selection Office/AHX
2101 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX  77058. 

Please do not send any unsolicited application material.

• How does an active-duty military person apply for the Astronaut Candidate Program?

Active-duty military applicants must apply both through USAJOBS and their respective military service.  Applicants must complete the resume and forms through USAJOBS, print the resume and forms, and forward them along with their transcripts to their military service following instructions provided by their military service.

• Does an active-duty military applicant submit their transcripts to NASA?

Your application and transcripts must be sent through your military service.  Once your military service selection board has selected the applicants that will go forward to NASA, they will send the complete application package to NASA, including the transcripts

• Do my transcripts have to be in a sealed envelope?
  
  The college/university transcripts do not have to be in a sealed envelope. We will accept copies of the transcripts as long as they are the final transcript showing degree conferred and date conferred.  Please submit all of your transcripts at the same time attached to the transcript coversheet.
  
  
• Does a physician have to review my medical forms?
  
  A medical exam by a physician is not required.  You should provide the answers to the questions on the medical forms.  Military personnel should follow instructions provided by their service.