Do You Have the Right Stuff To Be an Astronaut?

Hugh Pickens writes "Do you have what it takes to become an astronaut? NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronautics, is now hiring outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals until January 27, 2012 for full time, permanent employment to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands. 'Creativity. Ambition. Teamwork. A sense of daring. And a probing mind.' To qualify, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in science, engineering or mathematics. Certain degrees are immediate disqualifiers, including nursing, social sciences, aviation, exercise physiology, technology, and some psychology degrees, too. The job listing mandates '1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft' unless you have three years of 'related, progressively responsible, professional experience' like being an astronaut somewhere else maybe? 'Since astronauts will be expected to fly on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft, they must fit Russia's physical requirements for cosmonauts. That means no one under 5 foot 2 inches or over 6 foot 3 inches.' Applicants brought in for interviews will be measured to make sure they meet the job application's 'anthropometric requirements.' You'll need to pass a drug test, a comprehensive background check, a swimming test, and have 20/20 vision in each eye and it almost goes without saying that candidates will need to be in 'incredible shape.' Applicants must pass NASA's long-duration space flight physical, which evaluates individuals based on 'physical, physiological, psychological, and social' stressors, like one's ability to work in small, confined spaces for hours on end. And of course...'Frequent travel may be required.'"

Kerbal Space Program

[InterestingFella]

I'm not sure if I'm a good astronaut, but I'm hell of a good guy to design space shuttles. I've been playing Kerbal Space Program [kerbalspaceprogram.com] lately so I know this stuff. If someone is a good astronaut contact me!

Hmm

[Anonymous Coward]

Just finished a box of Kraft Dinner and I'm sitting here reading Slashdot... go ahead and mark a 'no' down for me.

Re:Kerbal Space Program

[Anonymous Coward]

You mean like diapers, mace, a bb-gun, duct tape and a hammer?

Height discrimination

[Anonymous Coward]

That means no one under 5 foot 2 inches or over 6 foot 3 inches

Discrimination! I'm in the "best of the best", but at 6'7" excluded by this requirement. Dwarves may have legislation banning unreasonable discrimination against them, but us giants are people too!

Small Print

[jaylen]

Small print at the bottom of the job advertisement -

'Astronaut must show ability to hold out right-hand with thumb up, and know enough Russian to 'ask for a lift.'

applicants

[Espectr0]

20/20 vision? Incredible shape? This is slashdot, that means none of us qualify.

Job requirement addendum

[Anonymous Coward]

* The excessively flatulent need not apply.

Re:I'm 6'6"

[ISoldat53]

I have enough stuff for two astronauts.

Re:NASA is the world leader in what?

[rubycodez]

I can confidently say no NASA money was wasted on hookers and blow, in space. yet.

Re:I'm 6'6"

[EdIII]

That's a bit ambiguous. Would that impress the ladies or strike fear in the hearts of Chinese food buffet owners everywhere?

Re:No chance.

[hodet]

Now remember son... "“No matter how good you are at something, there's always about a million people better than you.” - Homer J Simpson.

Re:NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronauti

[Anonymous Coward]

Really? How do your 'astronots' get into space again these days? Oh....yeah. Hope that stings.

Come on, which company doesn't outsources these days?