If you want to become a commercial astronaut, you’ll have to meet some pretty strict health standards. These rules are there to keep you safe and make sure the mission goes smoothly.
You’ll go through fitness evaluations, vision and height checks, and psychological assessments that test whether you can handle the weird, stressful environment of space.
NASA keeps a close eye on blood pressure. Astronauts need to have a seated blood pressure at or below 140/90 mmHg, which helps with cardiovascular stability during launch and while in orbit.
Commercial space programs set similar standards to protect everyone on board.
Physical fitness tests focus on strength, endurance, and coordination. Today’s astronaut selection cares more about whether you can handle mission tasks than just generic fitness.
You’ll have to show you can operate controls in high-G environments and manage other mission activities.
Medical exams check for health problems like heart issues, respiratory trouble, or metabolic disorders. These could get dangerous in space, so the screening process tries to catch anything that microgravity or the spacecraft could make worse.
Once you’re in, the medical checks don’t stop. Astronauts go through regular monitoring and annual recertification to make sure they’re still fit for space.
Medical teams track things like bone density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health, since spaceflight can really mess with your body.
Space agencies treat astronauts almost like tactical athletes. Training builds the exact strength and endurance needed for things like spacewalks, running equipment, and handling emergencies.
Astronauts need 20/20 vision or at least must be able to correct their vision to that standard. Clear sight is crucial for reading instruments, spotting hazards, and doing precise work.
Contacts or glasses are fine as long as they get you to 20/20.
Height restrictions depend on the spacecraft. Most programs look for candidates between 62 and 75 inches tall, because seats and suits are built for those body sizes.
Color vision also matters. Most positions require normal color vision, since critical systems use color coding for indicators and warnings.
Pilots especially need to see colors accurately for navigation and emergencies.
Depth perception tests check how well you can judge distances. Astronauts need this skill for things like docking, using the robotic arm, and navigating outside the station.
Stereoscopic vision helps with all these tricky three-dimensional tasks.
Eye health screenings look for problems that might get worse in space. For example, increased intracranial pressure in microgravity can mess with your vision.
If you’ve got pre-existing eye issues, those could turn into real emergencies during a mission.
Mental health evaluations dig into your emotional stability and how well you handle stress. Space missions can feel pretty isolating, and the stakes are high.
Screeners look for people who can keep their cool even when things get tough.
Personality assessments check how well you work with others and whether you’ve got leadership potential. Crews spend months together in close quarters, so agencies want to make sure personalities mesh.
Cognitive tests measure how fast and accurately you solve problems. If something goes wrong in space, you have to think on your feet.
They want to see how you process information and react to surprises.
Selection teams review psychiatric history carefully. If you’ve had mental health treatment, that doesn’t necessarily disqualify you, but you’ll need to provide all the details.
Ongoing psychological support helps astronauts stay mentally healthy during their careers.
Stress simulation exercises push candidates with spacecraft emergencies and equipment failures. These drills show how you react when the pressure’s on.
Psychological resilience in extreme situations is absolutely essential.
NASA and commercial space companies put candidates through a multi-stage selection process. They evaluate thousands of people using tough medical, psychological, and technical tests.
The whole thing takes about 18 months. It follows international standards to make sure crews can work together on missions to the ISS.
NASA opens astronaut applications every four years. Only U.S. citizens can apply, and you’ll need to meet some pretty strict educational and physical requirements.
A master’s degree in a STEM field—like engineering, physics, or medicine—from an accredited school is a must.
You’ll also need at least three years of professional experience or 1,000 hours as a pilot-in-command in jet aircraft. Military test pilots, research scientists, and medical doctors often check these boxes.
Physical requirements include:
Commercial companies like SpaceX have similar standards. They want people who can handle the stress of Falcon 9 launches and long ISS stays.
In 2024, over 12,000 people applied for maybe 12 to 16 spots. That’s a selection rate under 0.1%—way tougher than getting into an Ivy League school.
The process has six main phases that stretch over a year and a half. First, NASA screens applications and cover letters from the huge pool of candidates.
Next, they run psychological evaluations. Candidates take personality tests and stress assessments to predict how they’ll handle long missions.
Medical screening comes after that. Doctors check cardiovascular health, bone density, and neurological function, and they look for anything that could get worse in microgravity.
Technical interviews test problem-solving and teamwork. Candidates work through emergency scenarios and show how quickly they can learn complex systems.
Finally, NASA runs background checks and verifies all your education and work history before making their picks.
Once you’re selected, you’ll start two years of astronaut training to get ready for ISS operations and future deep space missions.
NASA works closely with international partners like the European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. This teamwork ensures crews from different countries can live and work together on the ISS for months.
Each partner agency sticks to similar medical and psychological standards but will tweak things for their own national needs. For example, Canadian astronauts have to be bilingual in English and French.
Joint training happens at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. International crews learn to operate American spacecraft, and European and Japanese astronauts regularly train on SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner vehicles.
Selection teams look for people who can adapt to different cultures and communicate well. Working with teammates from around the world, especially during stressful times, isn’t always easy.
Cross-training agreements let astronauts from one country serve as backup crew for another’s mission. This keeps ISS operations running smoothly, even if one partner faces delays.
Modern astronaut training brings together technical mastery, people skills, and crisis management. The curriculum usually runs 16 to 20 weeks.
These programs get candidates ready for the physical demands of spaceflight and teach them how to handle spacecraft systems and crew coordination.
Astronaut candidates get hands-on with actual spacecraft systems. The curriculum covers orbital mechanics, life support, payload deployment, and Earth observation.
Trainees spend a lot of time learning about environmental controls, propulsion, and electrical power.
Space suit operation is a big deal. Candidates practice putting on and using suits while doing tasks in simulated space settings.
They learn to troubleshoot suit problems and understand how the subsystems work together.
Vehicle familiarization takes up several weeks. Trainees study specific spacecraft, like Dragon or Starliner, learning all the control interfaces and how the systems respond.
They practice launch, orbital, and re-entry procedures using high-fidelity simulators.
Medical training covers space physiology and basic medical care. Astronauts learn how to monitor health, use medical equipment, and respond to emergencies in zero gravity.
Physical conditioning focuses on core strength. Astronauts need to twist, bend, lift, and carry objects in space, so a strong core is essential to work efficiently and avoid injury.
Crew coordination can make or break a mission. Training puts a spotlight on clear communication between crew members and with mission control.
Astronauts practice radio calls, status updates, and technical problem-solving conversations.
International programs pay special attention to multicultural crew dynamics. Team members learn to work across language and cultural differences while staying effective.
Conflict resolution skills come into play for managing tensions during long missions.
Leadership rotation exercises give everyone a shot at taking command. These drills test decision-making under pressure and help keep the crew working together.
Ground-to-space communication training involves working with mission control. Astronauts practice getting instructions, reporting system status, and coordinating complex tasks with the ground team.
Crew resource management, borrowed from aviation, teaches crews to share the workload and catch mistakes through cross-checking.
Emergency training covers every phase of spaceflight, from launch to landing. Astronauts practice handling system failures, medical problems, and abort scenarios using realistic simulations.
They rehearse fire suppression, cabin depressurization, and emergency evacuation protocols.
Water and land survival training prepares crews for landings that don’t go as planned. Astronauts learn wilderness survival, water rescue, and emergency signaling.
These skills really matter if a spacecraft lands outside the recovery zone.
Spacewalk emergency training focuses on suit failures and crew rescue. Astronauts practice buddy system protocols and emergency returns to the airlock.
Launch abort scenarios demand quick thinking and teamwork. Training covers engine failures, guidance problems, and vehicle breakups during ascent.
Medical emergency simulations teach astronauts to stabilize patients, give medications, and work with ground medical teams for help.
Astronauts need to master complex spacecraft operations across different vehicles and platforms. Training focuses on three main areas to get crew members ready for real missions and emergencies.
Astronauts spend months learning the International Space Station’s systems before launch. The ISS has over 50 computers and millions of parts that need constant attention.
Life Support Systems are at the core of ISS training. Crew members learn to run the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which manages air quality, water recycling, and waste.
The Electrical Power System training covers how to operate solar arrays and manage batteries. Astronauts practice switching power sources during the station’s day-night cycles.
Communication Systems connect the ISS with ground control centers all over the world. Training includes radio protocols, video conferencing, and backup methods.
Crew members practice robotic operations with the Canadarm2 and other manipulators. They use these systems to capture visiting spacecraft and move equipment outside the station.
Emergency procedures get a lot of attention. Astronauts learn how to handle fires, loss of pressure, and toxic atmosphere events.
Space shuttle training still matters for understanding the basics of spacecraft operations. The shuttle program set up many procedures that are still used.
Launch sequence training teaches astronauts to monitor systems during ascent. They track engine performance, booster separation, and tank jettison.
The Orbital Maneuvering System training covers attitude control and orbital changes. Astronauts practice docking with the ISS and deploying satellites.
Payload bay operations involve using mechanical systems and robotic arms. Training includes opening and closing bay doors, deploying satellites, and moving cargo.
Landing procedures require precise timing and coordination. Astronauts learn how to manage approach and landing, including backup systems for emergencies.
Modern spacecraft use advanced navigation systems that astronauts need to understand inside and out. Training covers both automated and manual procedures.
GPS and star tracker systems provide position and orientation data during flight. Astronauts learn how to read navigation displays and spot malfunctions.
Orbital mechanics training gives crew members the know-how to understand spacecraft movement and trajectory changes. This is key for rendezvous and course corrections.
Manual control systems act as backups when automation fails. Astronauts practice with hand controllers and backup instruments to keep the spacecraft on track.
Docking procedures demand precise navigation and coordination. Training covers both automated and manual docking with different spacecraft setups.
If you’re hoping to become an orbital space tourist, you’ll need to get your body and mind ready for the wild leap from Earth’s gravity to the floating, weightless world of orbit.
Training for this isn’t just a formality—it’s how you’ll get a taste of microgravity before you ever leave the ground.
Your body faces some pretty big hurdles when it leaves gravity behind.
The cardiovascular system has to figure out how to pump blood when gravity isn’t pulling it down anymore, and that adjustment happens fast.
You’ll lose your usual sense of up and down, so spatial orientation suddenly matters a lot.
Tourists practice moving around using handholds and foot restraints, and your inner ear will need time to get used to this new normal.
Space motion sickness is no joke—around 70% of first-time travelers feel nausea, dizziness, or just plain weird during the first couple days.
Training programs do their best to prep you for that, so you’re not caught off guard.
Muscle and bone density start to drop within days in orbit.
Pre-flight workouts focus on building up core strength and bone health with resistance exercises, so your body’s got a fighting chance.
Even sleep gets strange—weightlessness messes with your sense of rest, since lying down isn’t really a thing anymore.
Tourists practice sleeping upright and use tricks to keep their circadian rhythms on track without sunlight.
If you want to feel weightless on Earth, parabolic flights are the go-to.
Specially modified planes fly steep arcs, giving you 20-30 seconds of microgravity each time.
The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory uses a giant pool to create a floating sensation.
Space tourists suit up and practice moving underwater, which closely mimics the feeling of being in orbit.
Virtual reality adds another layer, letting you rehearse navigation and emergencies in digital space before you ever leave the ground.
Centrifuge training gets you used to G-forces—think of it as spinning up your tolerance for launch and reentry.
You’ll learn breathing techniques to stay conscious during those intense moments.
Reduced gravity simulators use harnesses and counterweights to partially cancel out gravity.
These setups let you practice walking, moving, and basic tasks in a low-gravity environment for longer stretches.
Preparing for a spacewalk isn’t easy.
Astronauts go through tough training that combines underwater practice, pressurized suit work, and drills tailored to their specific mission.
The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is the main stage for spacewalk prep.
This pool is huge—200 feet long, 40 feet deep, and, honestly, it’s the biggest of its kind anywhere.
Astronauts train with full-size mockups of spacecraft modules, sunk right to the bottom.
The water’s neutral buoyancy mimics weightlessness pretty closely.
For every hour they’ll spend on a real spacewalk, astronauts log about 10 hours in the pool.
Training sessions can go up to six hours, matching real spacewalk durations.
Safety divers are always nearby, keeping an eye out and stepping in if anything goes sideways.
The pool houses exact replicas of International Space Station modules, so crews get to run through the same repairs and maintenance they’ll tackle in orbit.
Trainers can throw in different scenarios—tool handling, equipment repairs, and emergencies.
Astronauts also practice moving in bulky suits and handling tethers.
Training with the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is a must.
This suit keeps astronauts alive in space, but it’s not exactly comfortable.
Pressurized gloves make even simple tasks a struggle.
Astronauts have to practice hand positioning and gripping tools until it becomes second nature.
The suit’s life support systems need constant attention.
Astronauts keep tabs on oxygen, carbon dioxide, and cooling systems, and they rehearse what to do if something fails.
Moving around in these suits takes a special touch.
The bulk throws off your balance, so you have to learn how to anchor yourself and move between work sites without wasting energy.
Suit comms connect astronauts to each other and mission control.
Training covers radio protocols and what to do if the main system cuts out.
Every mission comes with its own set of spacewalk tasks.
Astronauts rehearse the exact procedures they’ll use, working with mission-specific gear.
Virtual reality helps here too.
It gives crews a chance to walk through complicated steps over and over, including tricky lighting and equipment placement.
Mission planners lay out detailed timelines for every part of the spacewalk.
Astronauts memorize these steps and drill them until they’re automatic.
They also prep for gear failures and curveballs.
Most spacewalks happen in pairs, so teamwork is huge.
Training focuses on clear communication and dividing up tasks efficiently.
Partners get familiar with each other’s roles, so they can back each other up in a pinch.
Ground control teams join in on the training too.
They practice supporting the astronauts in real time, so everyone’s on the same page when it counts.
Astronauts have to nail down survival skills and emergency procedures before they ever leave the ground.
These skills could literally save lives during rough landings or unexpected spacecraft issues.
Modern training spends a lot of time on water survival.
That’s because capsules like SpaceX Dragon usually splash down in the ocean.
Astronauts practice getting out of spacecraft mock-ups in all kinds of water—starting in calm pools, then moving to choppier conditions with waves up to two feet.
They learn how to exit both when the capsule’s upright and when it’s flipped.
Survival suit drills are a big deal.
Crew members practice using flotation devices and managing their life support gear while suited up.
They climb into life rafts and signal for rescue with emergency tools.
Land survival training is no picnic either.
Astronauts spend up to two weeks in tough environments, learning how to build shelters, find water, and navigate.
They do this in deserts and wilderness areas, just in case they land somewhere remote.
Parachute drag simulations add another layer.
Instructors tow astronauts through water while they’re harnessed, prepping them for tangled parachute lines after splashdown.
Emergency response protocols have to be second nature.
Astronauts drill through the steps for depressurization, putting out fires, and dealing with toxic air.
Life support systems get a lot of attention.
Crew members learn to run backup oxygen, swap out carbon dioxide scrubbers, and switch power sources on the fly.
They practice flipping between main and backup systems in a hurry.
Communication is key in a crisis.
Training covers all the ways to reach mission control—backup radios, emergency beacons, you name it.
Astronauts also learn the right lingo and how to prioritize messages.
Medical emergencies get their own section.
Astronauts practice giving meds, doing basic surgery, and keeping someone stable if help is far away.
Regular simulations throw all these emergencies together to see how well crews coordinate and make decisions on the fly.
Astronauts need to get comfortable with running experiments and managing science equipment in space.
Commercial crew members go through specialized training to handle research and payload systems that are vital to the mission.
Commercial astronauts learn the ropes for scientific research on spacecraft and stations.
They practice collecting samples, logging data, and keeping equipment running smoothly to avoid compromising results.
Mission specialists also get detailed lessons on life support monitoring and managing consumables.
They coordinate experiment schedules with ground teams, following strict communication protocols.
Payload operations teams run through research timelines and safety steps with astronauts.
They teach how to use recording systems, storage units, and measurement devices.
Core Training Elements:
Training puts a big emphasis on accurate documentation and staying in sync with research teams.
Commercial crews spend hundreds of hours practicing experiment routines using flight-ready equipment.
Payload specialists get deep dives into their specific missions and the gear they’ll use.
Their training is separate from the standard astronaut track.
They study payload integration plans and compatibility rules in detail.
Specialists learn about cargo weight limits, mounting gear, and electrical hookups for their assigned systems.
Training centers let them practice with real attachment devices and interface panels.
They get hands-on time with three-point and five-point harnesses for deployable payloads.
Technical Training Areas:
Payload specialists coordinate with ground teams throughout training.
They learn backup plans for gear malfunctions and practice troubleshooting with engineers in real time.
The program includes certification on readiness reviews and making sure everything fits together.
Specialists have to prove they know their systems inside and out before they get the green light.
Astronauts run through mission rehearsals that cover every part of their upcoming flights, from launch to emergencies.
These simulations help crews get ready for the expected—and the unexpected—during their time in orbit.
Full mission simulations put astronauts in high-fidelity spacecraft mockups.
These setups match the real thing, right down to the controls and systems.
Rehearsals can last days or even weeks, depending on the mission.
Crews practice every step—launch, orbital maneuvers, landing—at real speed.
Simulations include real communication delays with mission control and equipment that acts just like it will in space.
Mission control teams work alongside the astronauts.
Flight controllers monitor simulated telemetry and practice their roles, making sure everyone knows their job.
Astronauts wear their actual flight suits during the final rehearsals.
They use the same interfaces and follow the same checklists they’ll have in orbit.
Simulations use the real mission timelines and sleep schedules.
Astronauts get a taste of the work-rest cycles they’ll follow, which helps them adjust to the fast pace of space operations.
Emergency response training gets astronauts ready for equipment failures, medical emergencies, and all sorts of critical situations. Crews run through these scenarios over and over until their reactions feel second nature.
System failure drills dive into big spacecraft issues like power loss or life support breakdowns. Astronauts jump in to diagnose problems fast and use backup procedures. They practice working with mission control, especially when things get tense.
Fire suppression exercises show crews how to deal with onboard fires using specialized gear. Astronauts learn to isolate trouble spots and, if things get out of hand, coordinate evacuation.
Medical emergency simulations push crews to treat injured teammates with limited space-based medical supplies. These drills range from patching up minor scrapes to handling serious conditions that need immediate care.
Evacuation procedures get a lot of attention during training. Crews practice quick exits from the spacecraft using emergency escape systems. They also figure out how to help crew members who might be unconscious or hurt during an evacuation.
Modern space missions throw astronauts together with people from all over the world, so cultural competency and language skills aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. Russian language skills, in particular, matter a lot since crews operate Russian spacecraft and talk to mission control centers everywhere.
Space agencies everywhere get that effective cross-cultural communication sits at the heart of successful orbital missions. Astronauts need more than just language basics; they have to develop real cultural awareness.
The ISS is where international cooperation really happens. Crew members from different countries live and work together in tight quarters for months. This setup demands interpersonal skills that traditional astronaut training never really covered until recently.
Cultural competency training zeroes in on a few key things:
Training programs now send astronauts for longer stays at partner space centers. American astronauts spend a lot of time at Russia’s Star City, and international crew members train for months at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
These cross-cultural experiences help astronauts build what space psychologists call “communicative tolerance.” This skill really matters when crews need to make tough decisions together during emergencies or surprises.
Russian language skills are still mandatory for anyone flying to the ISS, no matter where they come from. Every crew member has to operate Russian Soyuz systems and talk to Russian mission control during critical phases.
Language prep usually starts at places like the Defense Language Institute in California, or continues at Johnson Space Center before astronauts head to Russia for advanced training. Honestly, a lot of space veterans say language prep is one of the toughest parts of getting ready for an international mission.
Spaceflight vocabulary is technical and complicated, which just makes language training harder. Astronauts need to know all the right words for spacecraft systems, emergencies, and science experiments. They practice these terms in realistic drills, where a simple miscommunication could end the mission.
Practical language use kicks in during joint training at Star City. American astronauts work side by side with Russian instructors and crew, speaking only Russian in some scenarios. This immersive style helps spot communication gaps before they become real problems in space.
Language skills go beyond the technical stuff. Astronauts need to talk during meals, workouts, and downtime to keep relationships strong throughout the mission.
Astronaut candidates go through tough physical training and serious mental prep to handle the demands of space. Mental resilience training covers stress management and sleep adaptation, helping astronauts stay sharp on long missions.
Space agencies teach astronauts a bunch of stress management methods for the mental pressure of space. These techniques matter when astronauts deal with equipment failures, communication delays, or surprises far from home.
Self-assessment tools give astronauts ways to check their own mental state and spot early signs of stress. NASA trains them in these techniques well before launch.
Breathing exercises and meditation help astronauts stay calm under pressure. Most space programs add mindfulness training that astronauts can use on their own during missions.
Communication protocols with ground psychologists offer ongoing support. Astronauts join regular teleconferences to talk about challenges and get advice from behavioral health experts.
Team support systems teach astronauts to notice stress in teammates. Crews pick up techniques to help each other through rough patches and keep morale up during long flights.
Spaceflight messes with normal sleep patterns—on the ISS, astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day, which throws off their internal clocks.
Sleep scheduling protocols help astronauts stick to regular rest periods. Agencies design detailed sleep plans to fit mission needs and the lack of natural light.
Physical exercise programs fight the fatigue that comes with microgravity. Astronauts use special resistance equipment to stay fit and sleep better.
Light therapy techniques stand in for sunlight. Stations use special lighting to help regulate circadian rhythms and improve sleep.
Medication protocols step in if natural sleep methods don’t work. Space medical teams track astronaut sleep and provide medication if needed.
Space agencies run thorough final assessments before certifying astronauts. These evaluations test every skill picked up over years of training.
Medical clearances come first. Candidates go through cardiovascular tests, psychological evaluations, and full physical exams. NASA demands perfect health status before approving anyone for flight.
The interview phase brings 10 to 50 finalists together with senior astronauts and agency leaders. These interviews can last up to an hour and focus on handling pressure.
Technical proficiency tests check candidates on spacecraft operations. They need to show they can handle:
Psychological fitness assessments look at how well candidates can adapt to space life and work with international crews for long periods.
Physical performance standards include neutral buoyancy pool tests and centrifuge rides. Candidates must finish simulated spacewalks and show they can handle launch and reentry forces.
Commercial companies like SpaceX run shorter, intense assessments. Their focus stays on spacecraft-specific systems. Private astronaut candidates rack up hundreds of hours in Dragon capsule simulators before they get certified.
Mission-specific training comes after general certification. Astronauts get ready for their assigned flights, learning about payloads and experiment procedures.
Only those who pass every assessment get flight assignments and official astronaut status.
Astronaut training covers years of intense physical workouts, psychological checks, and hands-on simulations. Future space travelers go through tough medical exams and specialized training programs to get ready for the weirdness of orbital environments.
Astronaut training usually takes at least two years before candidates can fly. NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Program packs in a lot of preparation across different skills.
The first year focuses on basics—spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and the space environment.
After that, astronauts get months of mission-specific training, learning the ropes for their assigned flights.
Commercial space programs offer shorter training for civilian space travelers. Their focus stays on safety and basic operations, not the whole astronaut curriculum.
Physical fitness is a big part of astronaut training. Candidates have to stay in top shape all the way through.
Cardio training helps astronauts handle launch and re-entry. They do regular aerobic workouts to strengthen their hearts.
Strength training gets astronauts ready for spacewalks and handling equipment. The focus stays on functional movements that make sense in space.
Medical checks happen all the time during training. NASA expects astronauts to pass thorough exams and keep up their health.
Balance and spatial orientation training helps astronauts adjust to weightlessness. They practice movements that mimic zero gravity.
Neutral buoyancy pools let astronauts practice spacewalks underwater, simulating weightlessness.
Centrifuge training puts candidates through high G-forces like those during launch and re-entry. These machines spin fast to copy the physical stress of spaceflight.
Mock-up spacecraft give realistic settings for mission procedures. Astronauts run both normal and emergency drills in full-scale models.
Parabolic flights offer short bursts of real zero gravity. Astronauts get to feel weightless before heading to space.
Virtual reality systems add another layer, letting astronauts practice in computer-generated environments. They can get familiar with spacecraft layouts and procedures using VR.
Psychological screening finds candidates who can handle the mental side of spaceflight. NASA runs deep psychological evaluations during selection.
Resiliency training gives astronauts coping skills for stress and isolation. They pick up ways to protect their mental health on long missions.
Team building exercises prep crews for living and working in tight spaces. Astronauts practice communication and conflict resolution, which is crucial for the mission.
Simulation drills test how astronauts react to emergencies. Candidates have to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
Mental health support doesn’t stop after training. Space agencies offer ongoing resources to help astronauts deal with stress and adapt to space.
Fitness assessments set the baseline for each candidate. Astronaut hopefuls go through thorough medical exams before starting.
Land and sea survival training gets astronauts ready for emergency landings in remote places. They pick up survival skills for all sorts of environments.
Spacesuit training gets astronauts comfortable with pressure suits and movement. They practice working in bulky gear.
Weightlessness adaptation helps astronauts get used to zero gravity. They learn to live and work without gravity’s pull.
Emergency response training covers what to do if the spacecraft fails. Astronauts have to prove they can handle life-or-death situations.
Astronauts actually spend a ton of time underwater to get ready for spacewalks. They use these huge neutral buoyancy pools, where they can practice EVA maneuvers and figure out how to handle tools while floating.
They also dive into spacesuit systems training. It’s not just about putting the suit on—they have to learn how to operate all the complicated life support gear, fix little things that go wrong, and keep their suits running smoothly.
Tool training is another big deal. Astronauts work with all sorts of specialized gear that’s built for zero gravity. It takes a lot of repetition to get comfortable with those tools.
And let’s not forget communication. When astronauts step outside the spacecraft, they have to rely on clear radio procedures. They practice talking with ground control and coordinating with their crewmates, which isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
Finally, they run through emergency drills—just in case. Astronauts practice what to do if something goes wrong, like returning to the spacecraft quickly or using emergency life support. It’s a lot to handle, but that’s what keeps them safe out there.
