Astronaut

Who is an Astronaut?

An Astronaut is a highly trained individual who travels to space to conduct missions, research experiments, and operate spacecraft. Astronauts may work for space agencies, scientific organizations, or private aerospace companies. They undergo rigorous physical, psychological, and technical training to survive and thrive in space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become an Astronaut in India

1. School Foundation (Class 8–12)

Subjects to Focus: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, and English
Competitive Exams: NTSE, Olympiads (especially Science and Astronomy)
Lakshay India Support: Aptitude tests, Olympiad preparation, and career discovery programs

2. Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM Field (4 Years)

Recommended Courses:

• B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering

• B.Sc in Physics or Astronomy

• B.Tech in Mechanical, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering
  Top Institutes in India: IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram
  Lakshay India Support: JEE coaching, college counselling, and branch selection guidance

3. Master’s Degree or Doctorate (Optional but Preferred)

Courses: M.Tech/MS/PhD in Space Science, Aerospace, Astrobiology, Robotics, or Astrophysics
Preferred Institutes: IISc Bangalore, MIT, Caltech, Stanford, TU Delft
Lakshay India Support: Research mentorship, SOP drafting, LOR management, and international admissions

4. Pilot or Defence Service Path (Alternative Route)

Join as: Indian Air Force Pilot or Navy Test Pilot
Entrance Exam: NDA/CDS/IAF AFCAT
Relevance: Pilots are often recruited as mission specialists or spacecraft commanders

5. ISRO / Gaganyaan Program

ISRO Recruitment: Apply through the ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB)
Gaganyaan Astronaut Training: Final astronauts are trained at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center or other partner agencies

6. Physical and Psychological Fitness

Requirements:

• Height: 157–190 cm

• Vision: 6/6 without correction

• No chronic illness or psychological issues

• Intensive training in swimming, diving, survival, and resilience

How to Get a Job as an Astronaut in Global Agencies

1. Educational Excellence

Degrees from top universities in physics, engineering, or biology
PhD or strong research credentials in a space-science-related field

2. Join Space Agencies or Their Feeder Programs

• NASA (USA) – via military, science, or engineering programs

• ESA (Europe) – through annual astronaut selection

• JAXA (Japan) – PhD candidates or military pilots

• Roscosmos (Russia) – state-recommended elite scientists and pilots

3. Private Sector Route

Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space are now recruiting astronauts for private space missions

4. International Training

Undergo astronaut training in neutral modules like the ESA Astronaut Centre (Germany), Johnson Space Center (USA), or GCTC (Russia)

Top Space Agencies and Private Firms Hiring Astronauts

NASA (USA)
ESA (European Space Agency)
JAXA (Japan)
Roscosmos (Russia)
ISRO (India)
SpaceX (USA)
Blue Origin (USA)
Axiom Space
Virgin Galactic
Bigelow Aerospace

Highest Global Annual Packages (INR Equivalent)

Key Skills Required

STEM Expertise (Math, Physics, Biology, Engineering)
Flight Experience (Optional but Valuable)
Survival Training
Adaptability in Isolated Environments
Mental Resilience and Physical Fitness
Spacecraft Systems Operation
Research & Experimentation Skills
Teamwork and Communication

How Lakshay India Supports Aspiring Astronauts

Early-stage Discovery Programs:
Identify student potential in STEM, astronomy, and pilot training
Interactive sessions with ISRO/NASA professionals

Entrance Preparation:
Coaching for JEE, NEET, NDA, and IIST exams
Access to space-themed Olympiad programs

University Counselling:
Admission help to IIST, IITs, and global space-focused universities
Application assistance for master’s/PhDs and fellowships abroad

Space Career Track:
Real-life mentorship from aerospace scientists and astronaut trainers
Internships at space research labs and simulation training programs

Global Exposure:
Collaboration with international summer schools (NASA’s Space Camp, ESA Training Modules)
Visa, SOP, and interview guidance for astronaut candidacy abroad