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But if you think you have,
as they say, “the right stuff,”
go for it! U.S. citizens apply
through NASA, while military
service members start with
their branch of the military.
People who live in countries
that are part of the European
SpaceAgency (including France,
the Netherlands, Italy, Spain,
and Germany, among others),
as well as citizens of Canada,
Japan, Russia, and Brazil apply
in their own nations.
If your application is ac-
cepted, you’ll undergo many
tests.Your background will be carefully checked to make sure you have
what the first astronauts called the “right stuff.”The people hiring as-
tronauts will interview you to make sure you will be someone willing to
live in tight quarters with people. If you’re on the ISS for three months,
there’s no way to go for a walk to get away from a grumpy co-worker!
Also, today’s space programs connect astronauts frommany countries.
Your nation will make sure you can study languages and learn to work
with people from other cultures. In fact, speaking another language
(such as Russian or Japanese) will make you a better candidate.
To be an astronaut, a scientist has to be smart . . . but also in great
shape. Astronaut candidates will take many physical tests. They have
to be healthy and able to withstand the hard work of getting ready for
Chris Hadfield of Canada flew on five missions and
was the first Canadian to walk in space.