Profession astronaut

Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.

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Personality Type

  • Enterprising / Conventional
  • Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

  • Types of satellites

    Understand the variety of satellites that exist and their different functions. Know the different types of satellites used for communications, streaming services, surveillance, and scientific research.

  • Global navigation satellite system performance parameters

    Know the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) performance parameters, and the requirements that an GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.

  • Geographic information systems

    The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).

  • Launching of satellites into orbit

    Know about the different procedures, phases, and requirements for launching satellites into orbit.

  • Physics

    Have a wide background of physics which is the natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force.

  • Geostationary satellites

    Know about geostationary satellites and how they function; moving in the same direction as rotation of the Earth. Understand how they are used for telecommunication and commercial purposes.

Skills

  • Operate 3D computer graphics software

    Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

  • Collect geological data

    Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.

  • Collect data using GPS

    Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

  • Interpret graphical communication interfaces

    Have the capacity to understand the various shapes and representations used in the schematics and 3D isometric model presented by communication programmes.

  • Conduct research on climate processes

    Conduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.

  • Gather experimental data

    Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

  • Possess visual literacy

    Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word. The graphics used vary from process to process; therefore, the professional must have sufficient knowledge of the field in order to follow and use the information presented.

  • Perform scientific experiments in space

    Perform different kinds of experiments in various fields of science including human, biological, and physical. Follow scientific methods and document findings, aiming to achieve innovation or discover industrial and commercial applications.

  • Perform gravity measurements

    Perform geophysical measurements using gravity meters which are either on the ground or airborne. Measure deviations from the normal gravity field, or anomalies, to determine the structure and composition of the earth.

  • Use different communication channels

    Use various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the aim of constructing and sharing information and ideas.

  • Operate GPS systems

    Use GPS Systems.

  • Use communication equipment

    Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

Optional knowledge and skills

fluid mechanics aircraft mechanics use specialised computer models for weather forecasting transfer oxygen deal with challenging work conditions plan space satellite missions analyse weather forecast test oxygen purity research satellite launch sites address aircraft mechanical issues mechanics operate gas extraction equipment consider time zones in execution of work

Common job titles

  • Research electronics engineer, ast, electronic instrumentation systems
  • Ast, research pilot
  • Ast, technical management
  • Student trainee (security)
  • Research aerospace engineer, ast, fluid mechanics
  • Quality assurance specialist (aerospace)
  • Research physical scientist, ast, atmospheric chemistry and dynamics
  • Msmb data entry
  • Program manager
  • Fall 2017 internship