Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.
The duties of an astronaut include, but are not limited to:
Preparing for spacewalks to install new equipment or perform maintenance tasks in space
Conducting scientific experiments in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, materials science, meteorology, and geology
Researching new technologies that could be used in space exploration or in space habitats
Communicating with mission control to report on findings or issues that arise during the course of the mission
Conducting tests to determine how well crew members can perform their jobs under stress
Conducting robotics research and development in collaboration with engineers on Earth
Conducting scientific experiments in space to help scientists better understand phenomena in microgravity environments
Preparing for emergencies such as fires, depressurization of cabins, loss of oxygen supply, loss of communication with Earth, solar flares, and other threats to the safety of astronauts and the mission
Monitoring the status of spacecraft systems and identifying malfunctions or anomalies.
Astronauts typically work a 40-hour week, but they may be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They often have to travel away from home for training and mission assignments. During a mission, they may work long hours for several days in a row and then have several days off. Astronauts must be able to handle the stress of long hours, separation from family and friends, and the risk of injury or death.
cosmonaut commander astronaut shuttle commander science officer pilot cosmonaut spacecraft pilot spacecraft crew member pilot astronaut flight engineer space shuttle crew member scientific cosmonaut shuttle pilot
Astronauts generally have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The most common majors for aspiring astronauts are physics, aeronautical engineering, biology and chemistry.
Astronauts must complete a training program before they can be certified for spaceflight. The training program is part of the astronaut candidate program and is known as the Astronaut Training Experience. The program includes basic training, water survival, wilderness survival, scuba diving, land navigation, mountaineering, parachuting, space survival, robotics, mission specific training and emergency medical training.
Astronauts also receive specialized training for their specific role. For example, a mission specialist will receive training in the specific field they will work in, such as robotics or medical. A pilot will receive training in the specific vehicle they will fly in.
Astronauts can also receive training in the field they will work in before they apply for a position. For example, a medical doctor can receive training in a hospital before applying to be an astronaut. A pilot can receive training in the military before applying to be an astronaut.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of astronaut. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of astronaut with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Physics: The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
Types of satellites: Understand the variety of satellites that exist and their different functions. Know the different types of satellites used for communications, streaming services, surveillance, and scientific research.
Geostationary satellites: Know about geostationary satellites and how they function; moving in the same direction as rotation of the Earth. Understand how they are used for telecommunication and commercial purposes.
These skills are necessary for the role of astronaut.
Perform gravity measurements: Perform geophysical measurements using gravity meters which are either on the ground or airborne. Measure deviations from the normal gravity field, or anomalies, to determine the structure and composition of the earth.
Collect geological data: Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.
Possess visual literacy: Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.
Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Conduct research on climate processes: Conduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.
Use communication equipment: Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
Gather experimental data: Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
Perform scientific experiments in space: Perform different kinds of experiments in various fields of science including human, biological, and physical. Follow scientific methods and document findings, aiming to achieve innovation or discover industrial and commercial applications.
Collect data using GPS: Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
Interpret graphical communication interfaces: Have the capacity to understand the various shapes and representations used in the schematics and 3D isometric model presented by communication programmes.
Operate 3D computer graphics software: Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of astronaut. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Aircraft mechanics: Technicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repais in aircrafts.
Fluid mechanics: The characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.
Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of astronaut. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Deal with challenging work conditions: Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.
Plan space satellite missions: Plan missions to either launch, release, or capture satellites in orbit. Plan launch windows for each one of these activities and the steps required for a successful mission, such as preparation of launch sites, and agreements with launch partners.
Address aircraft mechanical issues: Identify and resolve mechanical issues which arise during flight; identify malfunctions in fuel gauges, pressure indicators and other electrical, mechanical or hydraulic components.
Transfer oxygen: Transfer liquid or gaseous oxygen by opening the valves to allow the transfer through the heat exchanger to cool air and store the oxygen in tanks. This ensures the adequate temperature and pressure parameters are met.
Analyse weather forecast: Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers.
Operate gas extraction equipment: Operate the equipment used for oxygen and nitrogen extraction equipment such as compressors, fractionating columns, heat exchangers and purifying towers.
Research satellite launch sites: Research the suitability and adequacy of selected satellite launch sites. Analyse the launch site in relation to the purpose and requirements of the anticipated operation.
Test oxygen purity: Test the purity and the moisture content of the processed oxygen making use of the burette moisture meter.
Consider time zones in execution of work: Work considering multiple time zones and plan activities depending on the voyage times and respective operating times of ports around the world.
