30 Special Skills You Need to Become an Astronaut

Special Report

January 17, 2022 3:00 pm

Source: NASA via Getty Images

11. Exceptional multi-tasking skills

Astronauts are the ultimate multi-taskers. While in space, astronauts are required to do such things as performing experiments, helping to operate the International Space Station, and maintaining equipment.

Source: NicoElNino / Getty Images

12. Learning Russian

Much of the interaction between astronauts in the International Space Station will involve communication with Russian space travelers, so astronauts have to learn the Russian language.

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13. Having good eyesight

Like airline pilots, astronauts have to have 20/20 vision, though applicants won’t be disqualified if they have 20/20 vision aided by eyeglasses. Aspiring astronauts who have surgery to correct their vision to 20/20 have to wait at least a year after surgical procedure before training starts.

Source: NASA

14. Getting along with people in cramped quarters

Astronauts spend prolonged amounts of time in space – and in tight quarters – so when they are interviewed by the NASA committee, they have to demonstrate that they can get along well with others.

Source: photo_Pawel / Getty Images

15. Being the right height

Astronaut candidates have to be between 5′ 2″ and 6′ 2″ to fit in a space capsule that can be a cramped space..

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