Apply online to go to Mars. No, seriously

[steve2470]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/12/14/nasa_looking_for_next_gen_astronauts/

NASA has opened registration for the ultimate out-of-this-world job: a trip to Mars as one of its astronauts.

"NASA is on an ambitious journey to Mars and we're looking for talented men and women from diverse backgrounds and every walk of life to help get us there," said NASA Administrator and former astronaut Charles Bolden. Rather novelly, you can apply online.

"Today, we opened the application process for our next class of astronauts, extraordinary Americans who will take the next giant leap in exploration. This group will launch to space from U.S. soil on American-made spacecraft and blaze the trail on our journey to the Red Planet."

So what does it take to get into the program? Quite a lot, as you might expect. Applicants will need a Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, preferably with an advanced degree as well.

more at link above

[saturnsring]

1. good luck with that according the group handing out h1b visas we dont have any of those in the u.s.

[Cleita]

2. I don't want to go but could I volunteer the Republican clown car

candidates as the first off world pioneers? Maybe they can try their political experiments in fresh terrain and leave the rest of us in peace to clean up the mess they left behind.

[longship]

3. You'd better not wear glasses.

Also, the rest of the requirements are pretty damned stringent.

I read an article the other day about this. I cannot remember all of it, but there are size requirements. Not everybody can fit into a space probe. And they like advanced degrees, preferably multiple advanced degrees. Like in The Martian, everybody has more than one expertise. The doctor in that story was the EVA expert! The engineer was the botanist. Etc.

If you apply, understand that it may take multiple rejections before you are accepted.

Good luck to all my good friend DU astronaut applicants.

[caraher]

5. Actually, that's not true about glasses

From the application web page:

"Distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20, each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable."

But yeah, you have to fit the spacesuit or vehicle:

"Since all crewmembers will be expected to fly aboard a specific spacecraft vehicle and perform EVA activities (spacewalks), applicants must meet the anthropometric requirements for both the specific spacecraft vehicle and the EVA mobility unit (spacesuit). Applicants brought in for an interview will be evaluated to ensure they meet the anthropometric requirements."

[longship]

6. I stand corrected on the eyesight.

However, this used to be a requirement. But then again, why do none of the astronauts ever wear eyeglasses on the ISS? I have never seen it. Puzzling? Or is this a defacto requirement?

But they do prefer shorter astronauts, because yes, the Soyuz is small and kind of cramped with three people in it. Remember that fat dude sitting next to you in the center seat of flight 427 into LaGuardia? You get the right idea.

[BlueJazz]

4. I take it that this is one way? If I had the right qualifications I'd sure do it.

I can't think of a more wonderful thing to do though.