NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Image above: This may look like fun, but it is part of the emergency training that astronaut candidates must complete. Credit: NASA

What would you like to be when you grow up? A lot of kids say, "An astronaut!" Being an astronaut is an exciting job. It is hard work, though. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be one?

If you want to be an astronaut, you must do certain things. You need to be good in mathematics. You need to be good in science, too. You must be able to write well. You must be able to work well with people. You must also graduate from college. Then, you have to work three years. After you finish all this, you can finally apply to be an astronaut.

All astronauts must then complete a lot of training. They have to learn how to handle emergencies. They may learn to speak other languages. They have to keep their bodies in good shape.

Image above: The 2004 ASCAN Class visits the Mars Landscape at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Credit: NASA

If you want to be an astronaut, get started now. You have to do well in your schoolwork. You have to be involved in lots of activities like clubs and scouts. You have to be a team player. Are you a future astronaut?

Related Resources + View Astronaut Training Timeline + Download Flash Viewer

On May 6, 2004, NASA introduced a new class of 11 astronaut candidates. They are called ASCANs for short. Three of them are teachers. They had to leave their classrooms to train as astronauts. Use this timeline to follow the class, joined by three ASCANs from Japan, as they prepare to be astronauts!
 
JoCasta Green/NASA Educational Technology Services