NASA is now accepting applications for its 2009 astronaut class. The agency is looking for a few men and women who want to fulfill their dreams and be a part of the next generation of explorers.
"We look forward to gathering applications and then being able to select from the largest pool possible," said Ellen Ochoa, NASA's chief of Flight Crew Operations at the Johnson Space Center. "Continuing our impressive record in successfully carrying out challenging human spaceflight missions depends on maintaining a talented and diverse astronaut corps."
To be considered, a bachelor's degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience are required. Typically, successful applicants have significant qualifications in engineering or science, or extensive experience flying high-performance jet aircraft.
Teaching experience, including work at the kindergarten through 12th grade level, is considered qualifying. Educators with the appropriate educational background are encouraged to apply.
The open positions are for astronaut candidates to train for tours of duty on the International Space Station, the largest human spacecraft ever built. It is also the site for research that will prepare NASA for future long-duration human missions to the moon and other destinations. The Constellation Program is responsible for building and operating the next-generation vehicles that will carry astronauts to the space station and the moon.
Applicants must meet physical standards and educational requirements, which include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math or science and at least three years of experience in one of these fields. Teaching experience, including experience at the K-12 level, is considered to be qualifying experience; therefore, educators are encouraged to apply.
The open positions require extensive travel on Earth and in space. Possible destinations may include, but are not limited to, Texas, Florida, California, Russia, Kazakhstan, the International Space Station and the moon.
Unfortunately, the application was only opened to U.S. citizens, both civilian and military, who are qualified and super-motivated can apply for these positions. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The deadline is July 1, 2008.
NASA HAS SPACE FOR YOU!
To Apply: visit http://www.usajobs.gov
The Angkasawan Programme is the Malaysian national programme to send the first Malaysian to space. The Malaysian will join two other cosmonauts aboard a Soyuz space craft that will rendezvous with the International Space Station, which is in orbit around the Earth at an altitude of approximately 360 km. The Angkasawan will carry out scientific researches on board the space station.
In actual fact the Training Centre is only one aspect of the city. Like any other permanent military base, it is self-contained. It has 3 grocery stores, a bank, a school, a tiny post office and other regular amenities that fulfill your basic needs. In fact, outside of the Training Centre, it is a normal rural city – a very nice one, with lakes, forests and very fresh air. Kids go to school and the mothers go to shop. An interesting fact is that many cosmonauts, including those who were there during Yuri Gagarin’s time, still live here with their children and grandchildren.And there is the much-visited Yuri Gagarin Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collections of documents and materials on history of manned cosmonautics in Russia. It is housed in a building called House of Cosmonauts or 'Dom Kosmonavtov' in the Russian language, which is like a big community centre. The museum's four halls contain unique displays reflecting all stages of manned spaceflights - from the legendary VOSTOK spacecraft through the MIR orbital complex, as well as development of international cooperation in space.
