If you intend to be like Sunita Williams, a skilled spacewalker, you need to have a strong foundation in Science and Technology. Sunita Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
To build a career like Sunita Williams, candidates should earn a bachelor's degree in STEM fields such as Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc. This should be followed by a master's or doctoral degree in the same field and relevant professional experience as required by various space organisations.
Required Educational Qualifications For Becoming an Astronaut
Students aspiring to become astronauts like Sunita Williams must meet specific educational qualifications. Leading organisations such as NASA and ISRO have essential requirements that candidates must fulfil to pursue a career as an Astronaut.
The courses and requirements vary from country to country in terms of pursuing a career as an astronaut. Given below are some of the famous space organisations with their required educational qualifications to pursue a career in space:-
Educational Qualifications For ISRO
For a candidate who wishes to pursue a career as an astronaut and wishes to do so by joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), certain requirements need to be fulfilled, and they are as follows:-
- A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in fields like Mathematics, Aeronautics, Aerospace, Physics or Medicine, etc.
- A candidate must have secured at least 60% in the subjects opted for the Bachelor's.
- A candidate must follow a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree or a doctoral program in the same field as in bachelor’s.
Education Qualifications For NASA
For a candidate who wishes to pursue a career as an astronaut and wishes to do so by joining the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), certain requirements need to be fulfilled and they are as follows:-
- A candidate must have a Master’s Degree in a STEM field like Biological Science, Physical Science, Computer Science, etc, from a recognised institution.
- A candidate must have at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their degree or a minimum of 1,000 hours as a pilot-in-command on a jet aircraft.
Candidates are advised to check out the educational qualifications of their preferred space organisation in which they wish to pursue their career of becoming an astronaut.
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Best Colleges to Pursue A Career as an Astronaut in India and Abroad
Aspiring astronauts should research and identify the top institutes that can provide the best education and training for a successful career in space exploration. Many colleges and universities offer courses in STEM fields, including Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science, which are essential for becoming an astronaut. Choosing the right institution plays a crucial role in building a strong foundation in these subjects.
Therefore, candidates need to explore and evaluate the best colleges that offer these programs to make a well-informed decision about their education and future career path. Given below is a list of some of the best institutions in India and abroad:-
Top Engineering Colleges in India:-
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Top Engineering Colleges Abroad:-
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Courses to Pursue to Become an Astronaut
To become an astronaut, a candidate must complete their Class 12th from a recognised board, with a strong focus on STEM subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. A solid foundation in these subjects is essential for understanding the complex scientific and technical aspects which help in becoming an astronaut. After successfully passing Class 12th, aspiring astronauts must pursue a bachelor's degree in relevant fields that align with space science and technology.
A bachelor's degree serves as the first major step in developing the necessary knowledge and skills required for a career in space research and exploration. Given below are some of the courses that a candidate can pursue to become an astronaut:-
- Astrophysics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
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