Could YOU be an astronaut? As Emma Roberts stars as a NASA rookie in Amazon Prime's 'Space Cadet', take the test to see if you have what it takes to take the next giant leap for mankind
- 'Space Cadet', starring Emma Roberts, raced to the top of the charts this week
- It features a character making it on to NASA's training programme by faking CV
If you're subscribed to Amazon Prime Video, it's likely you've seen 'Space Cadet' promoted at the top of your feed this week.
The movie has raced to the top of the charts and sees Emma Roberts star as a trainee astronaut at NASA.
In the film, Roberts' character, Rex, manages to make it on to NASA's training programme by faking her CV.
However, in reality, it's much trickier to be selected, with just 360 lucky candidates making the cut at the US space agency since the 1960s.
So, do you have what it takes to become an astonaut?
If you use Amazon Prime Video, it's likely you've seen 'Space Cadet' promoted at the top of your feed this week. The movie has raced to the top of the charts, and sees Emma Roberts star as a trainee astronaut at NASA
NASA accepts applications for new astronauts on an as-needed basis.
However, in recent years, new candidates have been selected approximately every four years.
Unsurprisingly, the space agency is unundated with thousands of applications.
'More than 12,000 people applied to be an astronaut between March 2 and March 31, 2020,' it explains on its website.
Astronaut requirements have changed over the years, based on NASA's goals and missions.
However, to be considered for an astronaut position today, applicants must meet four strict criteria.
Firstly, you must be a US citizen to apply.
Next, you'll need to have a master's degree from an accredited institution in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics.
In the film, Emma Roberts' character, Rex, manages to make it on to NASA's training programme by faking her CV
If you don't have a master's degree, don't panic - there are several other ways this criteria can be met.
This includes two years of work towards a doctoral programme in a related STEM field, a completed Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, or related medical degree, or the completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2025) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
Thirdly, applicants must have a minimum of three years of related professional experience obtained after degree completion (or 1,000 Pilot-in-Command hours with at least 850 of those hours in high performance jet aircraft for pilots).
'For medical doctors, time in residency can count towards experience and must be completed by June 2025,' NASA added.
Finally, you'll need to be able to successfully complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.
If you meet all four criteria, you might be rubbing your hands together with glee.
However, even if you make it this far, you've still got several hurdles to clear.
NASA recently selected four new astronauts for its Artemis programme, which will see humans return to the moon. This includes Christina Koch (left), Reid Wiseman (bottom centre), Victor Glover (top centre), and Jeremy Hansen (right)
'NASA's Astronaut Selection Board reviews the applications and assesses each candidate's qualifications,' the space agency explained.
'The board then invites a small group of the most highly qualified candidates for interviews at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.'
Of those interviewed, about half are invited back for second interviews.
Finally, from that group, NASA's new astronaut candidates are selected.
Successful candidates will need to report for training at the Johnson Space Centre, and spend the next two years learning basic astronaut skills.
This includes everything from spacewalking, operating the space station, flying T-38 jet planes and controlling a robotic arm.
If you think you have what it takes, you can apply here!
