Introduction: The Journey Begins
Space travel has long been the domain of government agencies
and elite organizations, but now, thanks to the growth of the
commercial space industry, opportunities for aspiring astronauts
like you are within reach. Whether your passion is to work with
SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, or another pioneering company, you can
be a part of the next generation of space explorers.
This ebook is designed to guide you through the essential steps
you need to take to become a commercial astronaut, but first you
need to pass the interview process and get in to the physical
training. To do this, you need to get through the basics. This
ebook will help you prepare.
We begin with a brief history of space exploration, exploring the milestones that have led us to
this era of commercial space travel. We’ll take a look at the current state of the industry and the
companies that are pioneering new frontiers.
From there, we’ll dive into the essential groundwork you’ll need to prepare for your journey. We’ll
examine the importance of STEM and STEAM education, discuss how to gain relevant
experience, and explore the application process itself.
We’ll then provide you with an in-depth overview of the “Missions In Space” course, which is
designed to give you hands-on training in spacecraft operations, spacewalking, and other critical
skills that are essential for a career as an astronaut. You’ll learn from experts in the field, gain a
comprehensive understanding of the space industry, and prepare for the “Career Astronaut
Candidate Evaluation Panel.”
But we don’t stop there. We’ll also explore the human team factors that go beyond individual
astronaut selection. We’ll discuss how the Organizational Team Index (OTI) and Optimal Team
Design (OTD) can increase team performance and mission success by as much as 20.8%.
We’ll also delve into the importance of diversity and disability in the commercial space industry
and the training required to prepare for this change.
Finally, we’ll examine the current state of regulations surrounding age limits for commercial