What to study to become an astronaut like Sunita Williams: check courses, eligibility criteria, top colleges, fees & selection tests

How to Become an Astronaut Like Sunita Williams: If you want to become an astronaut like Sunita Williams, who is one of the most experienced spacewalkers, you need a strong background in science and technology. Sunita Williams has a Bachelor's degree in Physical Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master's degree in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

To become an astronaut, you usually need a Master's degree in subjects like engineering, biology, physics, computer science, or mathematics. Some of the best colleges for astronaut training are MIT, Caltech, and Stanford University, which have excellent programs in aerospace engineering and astrophysics.

Educational Qualifications Needed to Become an Astronaut

Aspirants to become an astronaut must fulfil certain educational qualifications. These courses or degrees are slightly dependent on the country or space agency. Below are the important educational qualifications needed to become an astronaut:

For NASA (United States)

• Bachelor's Degree: Majorly in a STEM field such as engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
• Master's Degree: Required for most candidates. It can be in the same STEM fields as the bachelor's degree.
• Professional Experience: At least three years of relevant professional experience after completing the degree or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft for pilots.

For ISRO (India)

• Bachelor's Degree: In engineering or a related field such as aeronautics, astrophysics, aerospace, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, or biology.
• Master's Degree: Highly recommended for advanced roles. Fields like aerospace engineering or astrophysics are beneficial.

For SpaceX (United States)

• Master's Degree: In a STEM field similar to NASA's requirements.
• Professional Experience: At least three years of relevant experience after completing the degree or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.

Astronauts must pass tough physical and psychological evaluations. This will ensure that they can handle the stresses of space travel.

Best Courses to Study for Becoming an Astronaut

To become an astronaut, it is essential to pursue courses in STEM fields. Below are some of the best courses to study:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physical Science
• Astrophysics
• Astronomy
• Biological Science
• Mathematics (Bachelor's/Master's)
• Aeronautics
• Computer Science (Bachelor's/Master's)
• Biological Science
• Engineering (General)

Eligibility criteria for Astronaut programs?

Below are the eligibility criteria for astronaut programmes in the U.S. (NASA) and India (ISRO):

NASA Astronaut Program Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Education: Master's degree in a STEM field (engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics) from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of related professional experience or 1,000 Pilot-in-Command hours.
• Physical Condition: Pass NASA's long-duration flight astronaut physical.
• Skills: Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills are required.

ISRO Astronaut Programme Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or medicine with at least 60% marks.
• Age: Typically between 27 and 37 years old.
• Physical Condition: Must be physically fit with a minimum height of 149 cm.
• Experience: At least three years of relevant professional experience.
• Medical and Psychological Fitness: Must pass tough medical and psychological evaluations.

Top Colleges for Astronaut Studies in India & Abroad

Below are lists of top colleges and universities for astronaut studies, space science, and engineering both in India and abroad:

Best Indian Institutes for Space Science & Engineering

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
• National Institute of Technology (NIT) Delhi
• Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) Shibpur
• Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) Pune
• Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune

Top International Universities for Astronaut Training

• University of Cambridge
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Harvard University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• ETH Zurich
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Oslo
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• International Space University (ISU)
• University of Oxford
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• University of Arizona
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Texas at Austin

Generally, admissions to astronaut programmes are based on both merit and entrance exams in India. Some important astronomy entrance exams include CPGET, IIT JAM, and GATE.

Astronomy Entrance Exams: Schedule 2025

Below is the schedule of Astronomy Entrance Exam 2025 listed (as per shiksha):?

Course Fees for Astronaut-Related Studies in India

Below is the list of Best Government Colleges for Astronomy courses along with their fees as per shiksha report:

Selection Process & Competitive Exams for Astronauts

Astronauts generally face tough competition in their space field, as it's very competitive. Highly competitive with thousands of applicants for a few positions (e.g., NASA selected 10 out of 12,000 applicants in 2021).?

NASA's Astronaut Selection Board checks all applications and looks at each person's qualifications. Then, they choose a small group of the most qualified candidates and invite them for interviews at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. About half of those interviewed are called back for a 2nd interview.?

From this group, NASA selects new astronaut candidates. These selected candidates go to Johnson for training. Here they spend two years learning important astronaut skills like spacewalking, operating the space station, flying T-38 jet planes, and using a robotic arm.

Skills Required to Become an Astronaut

To become an astronaut, you need a combination of physical, technical, and interpersonal skills. Below are some of the important skills:

• Physical Skills: Coordination, strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility.
• Technical Skills: Ability to operate and control space equipment; knowledge in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
• Interpersonal Skills: Leadership, teamwork, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Critical thinking skills: The ability to work under intense pressure.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English; familiarity with Russian is beneficial for international collaborations.

Career Opportunities & Job Roles in Space Science

Below is the required diverse Career Opportunities & Job Roles in Space Science listed:

1. Astronomy and Astrophysics

• Stellar Astronomers
• Cosmologists
• Astrophysicists

2. Space Engineering and Technology

• Aerospace Engineers
• Avionics Engineers
• Spacecraft Mission Operations Lead

3. Planetary Science and Geology

• Planetary Geologists
• Geoscientists

4. Atmospheric Science

• Atmospheric Chemists
• Atmospheric Dynamists

5. Meteorology and Climatology

• Climatologists
• Research Meteorologists

6. Chemistry and Astrochemistry

• Analytical Chemists
• Astrochemists

7. Space Policy and Administration

• Policy Analysts
• Administrators

8. Astrobiology and Exobiology

• Astrobiologists
• Exobiologists

9. Space Data Science and Remote Sensing

• Data Scientists
• Remote Sensing Specialists

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(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)