Although being an astronaut can be an "out of this world" experience, it can also be both personally and professionally demanding. The job requires a vast array of skills and knowledge, as well as an ability to react quickly to difficult (and even dangerous) situations. Physical fitness is strongly emphasized, and individuals must be able to tolerate the high risk factor involved in training and eventual spaceflight. On top of the physical requirements of the job, astronauts must also deal with the constant demands of the press and the public at large, and are often required to speak in front of large groups about their experiences. As such, the rigorous CSA astronaut selection process, which can take as long as 6 to 12 months, is designed to uncover Canada’s most qualified individuals.

Launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery for the 11-day Mission STS-85 at 10:41 a.m. (EDT) on August 7, 1997, with CSA Astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason aboard. Image Credit: NASA

When astronaut selection first began in the United States in 1959, astronauts were selected from an elite pool of military pilots. Today, however, experts in various scientific, medical, and engineering fields are chosen based on their educational backgrounds, professional qualifications, and related experiences. Beyond the individual skills and knowledge each candidate possesses, the CSA recruits space operations astronauts who will complement the collective pool of skills and abilities. This means that instead of recruiting astronauts from one particular field of study (e.g. pilots), the CSA prefers to diversify the skills and abilities of their astronauts by recruiting a variety of medical doctors, engineers, flight test pilots, and scientific researchers.

Qualification Requirements

In order to be selected as an astronaut candidate, individuals must meet strict qualification requirements in the following areas:

	General Requirements
	Education and Experience
	Medical Requirements

The next call for Canadian astronaut candidates has not yet been announced. When it is, the recruitment campaign will be posted on the website, and will receive intensive media coverage. Stay tuned!

General Selection Requirements

In order to meet the demands of the job, all prospective astronauts must demonstrate that they can meet the following general selection criteria:

• Canadian citizenship
• Level II SECRET security clearance
• Excellent communication skills (preferably in both French and English)
• Effective interpersonal skills
• High moral standards
• Personal integrity

In addition to meeting the general selection requirements, applicants must also meet a number of medical and educational qualifications.

Education and Experience Requirements

Because astronauts are required to perform a broad range of scientific and technical work, prospective candidates must hold at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in one of the following areas:

• Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil (Structures) or Chemical Engineering, Engineering Physics
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Mathematics or Computer Science
• Medicine or Physiology
• Psychology or Sociology

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have at least three years of relevant post-graduate experience, either working towards a higher degree (i.e. a Master's degree or a doctorate), or in industry.  Medical applicants, meanwhile, must have appropriate practical experience in clinics and/or hospitals.  In all cases, a candidate's experience should reflect a progression of skill, knowledge, and leadership achievement.

Medical Requirements

To withstand the physical demands of training and spaceflight, candidates are expected to demonstrate a high level of fitness and a clean bill of health. To be selected, applicants must meet the medical requirements for International Space Station (ISS) crew members, which are based on the NASA Class II medical standards. Following selection, CSA astronauts must continue to pass yearly medical examinations in order to maintain flight status.

The numerous criteria for ISS medical selection are reviewed continually as further understanding of the human body and its adaptations to the space environment is acquired. Following is a sample of some of the current standards for non-pilot astronauts:

• Height between 148.6 cm and 193.04 cm (58.5 in. and 76.0 in.)
• Visual acuity: 20/200 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 in each eye (at this time, candidates who have undergone corrective vision surgery/laser eye surgery will be disqualified)
• Blood pressure: maximum of 140/90 mmHg, measured in a seated position
• Hearing loss not to exceed:

In addition to demonstrating a high level of fitness and clean bill of health, prospective astronauts must also meet strict psychological criteria.