Being more than a couple of kilometers away from familiar surroundings, for months it is not easy.
Hence, to be an astronaut you need to be mentally and physically fit.
In addition, you need to be an individual that is able to adapt well as you will move from one task to another, work with astronauts from other countries and you will be required to change routines due to new procedures that you will be exposed to.
Astronauts have a set of skills in technology and science, obtained from Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic qualifications from accredited institutions of higher learning.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) requires that their astronauts have a Master's Qualification in these disciplines. However, this excludes degrees such as nursing, psychology, exercise, physiology, or social sciences.
For more details, go to nasa.gov/astronauts.
Before going to space, you will be required to participate in a two-year training programme.
At the end of the training programme, you will then be able to do the spacewalks, launch to space, fly in jets, while being in the best physical condition.
After all of your training, you will then be able to launch your career as an astronaut.
