How to Become an Astronaut in India?

Whoever said the sky’s the limit clearly hasn’t explored the universe! The journey to becoming an astronaut is far from ordinary. Every individual who has set foot on the moon or ventured into space has dedicated years to studies, rigorous training, and extensive research. Their achievements prove that with determination, nothing is impossible, even reaching beyond our world.

Becoming an astronaut in India involves careful planning, a strong educational foundation, and immense perseverance. The process is challenging and demands physical, mental, and technical preparation. This guide on how to become an Astronaut in India provides a complete roadmap on how to become an astronaut in India, including the essential qualifications, eligibility criteria, training requirements, and the steps to embark on this extraordinary career.

What Does an Astronaut Do?

Building on the overview of the qualifications, experience, and requirements to become an astronaut, it is important to understand what this role actually entails. Astronauts are highly trained professionals who venture beyond Earth to explore space and uncover its mysteries. Their work goes far beyond simply travelling in a spacecraft; they observe distant planets, conduct experiments in zero gravity, and gather critical scientific data.

In addition, astronauts navigate complex routes to satellites, space stations, and other celestial bodies while ensuring the safety of themselves and their crew. They also test new technologies and systems that are essential for long-duration space missions. Every task contributes to our understanding of the universe and advances space science. This combination of technical expertise, physical fitness, and perseverance makes the role of an astronaut one of the most challenging and extraordinary careers imaginable.

Steps to Become an Astronaut

Becoming an astronaut follows a clear, demanding sequence that every successful candidate has completed. Space agencies worldwide—NASA, ESA, ISRO, and others—evaluate applicants against the same core milestones. Here are the exact steps you must take to become an Astronaut.

Step	What You Must Do	Real-World Requirement / Example
1	Earn a STEM bachelor’s degree	An engineering, physical science, biological science, mathematics, or computer science degree from a recognised university. NASA accepted only STEM graduates in its 2024 class.
2	Gain at least 3 years of professional experience OR log 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time	Test pilots from IAF (Gaganyaan 2024 selectees) or engineers with ISRO/DRDO projects qualify.
3	Complete an advanced degree (highly recommended)	Master’s, PhD, or medical degree. 100 % of NASA’s 2024 astronaut class held at least a master’s.
4	Meet strict physical and medical standards	20/20 vision (correctable), height 157–190 cm (NASA/ESA), blood pressure <140/90, pass centrifuge and hypobaric tests.
5	Develop additional high-value skills	Scuba certification, wilderness survival, foreign language (Russian/Chinese), robotics, and leadership in extreme environments.
6	Apply when agencies open the selection	NASA (every 4 years, next expected 2028), ISRO Gaganyaan (through IAF), ESA (last in 2021–22, next ~2029).
7	Clear multi-stage selection process	Written exams → physical tests → interviews → psychological evaluation → final medical board. Only ~0.08 % of applicants get selected.
8	Complete 2–3 years of basic & advanced astronaut training	Survival training, spacewalk simulation (NBL), spacecraft systems, robotics, ISS/Gaganyaan-specific training.
9	Get assigned to a mission	Wait times range from 2–10 years after training; e.g., Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla selected in 2024, flying to ISS in 2025.
10	Launch into space	Final milestone—your first orbital flight or beyond.

Following these steps systematically has propelled every astronaut from Rakesh Sharma (1984) and Kalpana Chawla (1997) to the latest Gaganyaan crew (2024–2027 timeline).

Top Universities in India for Aspiring Astronauts

Apart from globally renowned universities abroad, several institutions in India provide excellent education and training for students aspiring to become astronauts. These universities focus on aerospace, aeronautical, and space-related programs, preparing candidates for careers in space research, astronaut training, and related fields.

Top Universities in India to Become an Astronaut	Relevant Course(s)	Approximate Fees(Estimated)
Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram	B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering; B.Tech + M.Tech / Dual Degree	INR 5.53 to INR 6.89 Lakh for 4-year B.Tech.; hostel fees vary per semester
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore	M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering; B.Tech (Mathematics & Computing)	M.Tech: INR 44,600 (2 years);  B.Tech: INR 8.38 Lakh for 4 years
Amity University	B.Tech Aerospace Engineering; B.Tech + M.Tech Aerospace / Avionics; B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering	B.Tech + M.Tech (5 years): INR 14.1 Lakh; B.Tech (4 years): INR 8.56 to INR 12.44 Lakh
Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani	B.Tech / BE in Aerospace / Aeronautical / Engineering Technology	INR 20.76 to INR 61.49 Lakh, depending on specialisation and campus
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)	B.Tech / B.S. / Dual Degree in Aerospace, Engineering Physics, or related fields	INR 8 to 12 Lakh total (varies by IIT and program)

Explore: How to Become an Astronaut Abroad

Qualifications & Requirements to Become an Astronaut

Building on the overview of the astronaut career path in India, it is important to understand the specific qualifications and eligibility criteria required for this extraordinary profession.

• The candidate must be an Indian citizen, as ISRO prioritises national eligibility for its space missions.
• Preference is given to Indian Air Force test pilots because their professional experience in advanced aircraft is highly relevant for space missions.
• Aspirants must hold a bachelor’s degree (BE / BTech or equivalent) from a recognised university in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, chemistry, or biology.
• Academic performance is essential: candidates should have at least 65% aggregate or a CPI / CGPA of 6.84 on a 10-point scale.
• For advanced or specialised positions, a Master’s or Doctorate degree in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, or related scientific disciplines is strongly preferred.
• Physical and psychological fitness is critical, as astronaut training involves handling high acceleration, mental stress, and other demanding conditions.

NASA Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) Program Requirements

After exploring the qualifications and requirements for becoming an astronaut in India, it is useful to consider how aspirants prepare for opportunities at the world’s leading space agency, NASA. While many aspects overlap, NASA has its own specific criteria for selecting Astronaut Candidates (ASCAN), which highlight both academic excellence and professional experience.

I. General Eligibility and Education

To begin, the first step in NASA’s selection process focuses on general eligibility and educational qualifications, which lay the foundation for all other requirements:

General Eligibility and Education Requirements for NASA Astronauts	Details of Eligibility
Citizenship Requirement	Must be a United States citizen. Dual U.S. citizenship is also eligible.
Education	Must hold a Master’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field from an accredited institution.
Qualifying Fields	Engineering, Biological Science, Physical Science, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
Equivalent Qualifications	The Master’s Degree requirement can also be satisfied by: • Two years of work toward a doctoral (Ph.D.) program in a related STEM field • Completion of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), or equivalent medical degree• Graduation from a nationally recognised test pilot school program

II. Professional Experience

To build on this foundation, NASA also emphasises professional experience, which ensures candidates have the practical skills and real-world knowledge necessary for space missions:

Requirements for Astronaut at NASA	Details of the Requirements
Non-Pilot Experience	Minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant STEM field after degree completion.
Medical Experience	Time spent in a completed residency program counts toward the professional experience requirement for medical doctors.
Pilot Experience (Alternative)	At least 1,000 hours of Pilot-in-Command time in jet aircraft is required for pilot applicants.

III. Physical and Core Skills

Finally, even with strong education and professional experience, an astronaut must meet stringent physical and core skill requirements, as the rigors of space demand exceptional fitness, resilience, and teamwork:

Physical and Core Skills Requirement	Details of the Requirements
Physical Requirements	Must successfully complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.
Essential Physical and Core Skills	Strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills are essential.

Requirements for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Astronauts (Gaganyaan Mission)

Following the discussion on NASA’s astronaut requirements, it is important to understand how India’s premier space agency, ISRO, selects its astronaut candidates for the Gaganyaan mission. The important requirements include:

• Candidates must be Indian citizens.
• The first crew was primarily selected from Indian Air Force Test Pilots due to their experience in handling high-pressure situations.
• Extensive flying experience is essential for operating under complex and emergency conditions.
• Medical and physical fitness standards are strict, including perfect visual acuity, normal blood pressure, vestibular (balance) function, excellent muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and height/BMI within specified limits.
• Psychological and behavioural evaluation includes multitasking ability, problem-solving under pressure, stress management, teamwork, leadership, and maintaining composure in emergencies.
• Candidates must have a clean substance abuse history.
• Future missions may expand eligibility to include candidates with degrees in Engineering (Aerospace / Aeronautical), Science (Physics, Mathematics), or Medicine.
• Relevant professional experience in aerospace, scientific research, or military service will be considered for future astronaut selections.

Requirements for SpaceX Astronauts

After examining the astronaut requirements for India (ISRO) and NASA, it is insightful to consider how private spaceflight companies like SpaceX select individuals to fly aboard their vehicles. SpaceX follows a unique approach, as it does not maintain a traditional, open astronaut recruitment program. Instead, astronauts travel on SpaceX missions through one of three main pathways:

NASA Astronauts (Government Missions)

• For missions conducted under contract with NASA or international partners (ESA, JAXA, CSA), astronauts are selected and employed by the agency, not SpaceX.
• Candidates must meet the agency’s official requirements, such as a Master’s in STEM, professional experience, and passing the long-duration flight physical (for NASA).
• These astronauts pilot the spacecraft or serve as mission specialists, while SpaceX provides the vehicle and operational support.

Private Astronauts (Commercial Missions)

• For commercial or private missions (example, Axiom Space, Polaris Program, Inspiration4), selection criteria are defined by the mission organiser.
• Mission Specialists may include scientists, engineers, or individuals contributing to research or public outreach.
• Commanders/Pilots are often experienced career astronauts hired for flight operations.
• All private astronauts undergo strict aeromedical evaluations and must demonstrate psychological resilience, adaptability, and teamwork in confined, high-stress environments.

SpaceX Employees (Internal Testing/Flights)

• Occasionally, SpaceX may select its own engineers or operations specialists for vehicle testing or demonstration flights.
• Selection is based on technical expertise and familiarity with spacecraft systems, rather than an open application process.

Also Read: Career in Space Science

Characteristics and Skills Required to Become an Astronaut in India

Beyond meeting the educational, professional, and physical requirements for ISRO, NASA, or SpaceX missions, aspiring astronauts must also demonstrate a set of personal qualities and skills that are crucial for success in space. These attributes often determine an individual’s ability to perform under the unique pressures of spaceflight:

• Excellent communication skills are necessary to convey instructions clearly and coordinate effectively with mission control and fellow crew members.
• Strong coordination skills enable efficient operation of complex spacecraft systems and management of multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in English, along with familiarity with other foreign languages, is beneficial for international missions and collaboration.
• The ability to multitask is essential for handling multiple responsibilities under high-pressure situations.
• Remaining patient and calm during emergencies allows for clear decision-making in critical situations.
• Observational skills help monitor equipment, experiments, and surroundings accurately.
• Teamwork is vital for effective collaboration in confined and high-stress environments.
• Leadership skills are important to guide and support the crew when necessary.
• Resiliency helps cope with mental and emotional challenges, including prolonged isolation and stress.
• Adaptability ensures an effective response to changing situations and unexpected mission demands.
• Curiosity drives exploration, learning, and problem-solving in unknown environments.
• Trust in fellow team members and mission systems is essential for safety and successful collaboration.
• Creativity and resourcefulness allow for finding innovative solutions during unplanned or challenging situations.

Top Institutions That Provide a Foundation for an Astronaut Career

After exploring the qualifications, training, and essential skills for astronauts across ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX missions, it becomes clear that the foundation of a successful astronaut career begins with the right educational institutions. Professional experience and advanced STEM credentials are critical, but the choice of university or research institution can significantly impact opportunities for selection and career progression.

Securing advanced degrees, typically a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), is an essential first step. Institutions with strong research ties to space agencies, prestigious engineering programs, and a legacy of producing astronauts are highly regarded globally.

1. Global Institutions with Strong Aerospace Legacies

Global institutions with strong aerospace legacies are renowned for demanding aerospace engineering and STEM programs, often producing graduates who directly enter astronaut corps or key positions in the space industry. The following table highlights some of the world’s top institutions, along with their key programs and notable contributions to astronaut training:

Global Institutions with Strong Aerospace Legacies	Impotant Programs & Features of the Institutions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA	Oldest university aerospace program (AeroAstro), notable alumni including Nobel laureates and former NASA astronauts, leading research in Space Systems Laboratory.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA	Closely associated with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), offering unparalleled research opportunities in space science and engineering.
Stanford University, USA	Offers excellent programs in Aeronautics and Astronautics; proximity to NASA Ames Research Centre provides internships and networking opportunities.
Purdue University, USA	Known as the Cradle of Astronauts due to a high number of alumni who became astronauts, including Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), USA	Home to the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, emphasizing practical applications and space systems design.
University of Cambridge, UK	Provides world-class engineering education with a long tradition of contributing to aviation and aerospace research.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands	Leading European technical university with a strong focus on aerospace engineering and active student involvement in space projects.

2. List of Prominent Institutions for Astronaut Career in India

For aspirants targeting ISRO or related space research roles, a strong academic foundation from a prestigious Indian institution can significantly enhance career prospects. The following table highlights some of India’s top institutions that provide advanced STEM education and specialised aerospace programs:

List of Prominent Institutions for Astronaut Career	Impotant Programs & Features of the Institutions
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore	Premier institution for research in science and engineering, with strong ties to space programs.
Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) – Madras, Bombay, Kanpur	Offers highly competitive Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering programs with comprehensive STEM curricula.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram	Dedicated to space science and technology under the Department of Space, providing specialised courses for future space professionals.

Career Scope, Astronaut Salary, and Career Source

The career prospects for astronauts vary significantly depending on the agency or organisation. Each space agency has its own recruitment process, career structure, and salary model. The following points provide a detailed overview of major space agencies and private organisations, along with their respective astronaut salary structures and career scope:

I. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA is the United States’ premier space agency, responsible for human spaceflight, planetary exploration, and scientific research. It maintains a rigorous astronaut selection process and provides extensive training for its crew. Key points regarding NASA astronaut careers and salaries include:

• Salaries are tied to the U.S. General Schedule (GS) pay scale for federal employees.
• Civilian astronauts are paid at GS-13 to GS-15 levels, ranging from USD $90,025 to over USD $162,672 (2025 pay tables, Steps 1–10).
• Locality pay adjustments, such as for Houston (Johnson Space Center), may further increase total compensation.

II. European Space Agency (ESA): Europe

ESA is a multinational organisation coordinating space research, exploration, and astronaut programs across member states. ESA astronauts benefit from a structured international career path with unique perks:

• Salaries follow the ESA internal pay structure (A2–A4 scale).
• Compensation is exempt from national income tax in ESA member states, enhancing net earnings.
• The salary scale aligns with competitive European organisational standards.

III. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): India

ISRO is India’s national space agency, responsible for satellite launches, planetary missions, and human spaceflight initiatives such as the Gaganyaan mission. Astronaut candidates are selected from experienced scientists and engineers:

• Salaries follow the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) matrix for senior scientists/engineers.
• Gross annual pay ranges from INR 12 Lakhs to INR 20 Lakhs, including Basic Pay and allowances (DA, HRA, TA).
• Special allowances may apply during actual mission deployment.

IV. SpaceX: United States of America (USA)

SpaceX is a private aerospace company focused on commercial spaceflight, launch services, and spacecraft development. Unlike government agencies, its astronaut roles are largely mission-specific:

• Astronauts flying on SpaceX vehicles are compensated by the mission organiser or client, or retain their agency salary if under government contracts.
• Roles may include commercial participants, researchers, or NASA astronauts contracted for the mission.
• Compensation reflects the operational and technical demands of private space missions.

Explore: Masters in Space Science: Eligibility, Colleges, Syllabus, Degrees, Scope

Alternative Careers in India for Astronaut

While becoming an astronaut is the ultimate goal for many space enthusiasts, the space sector also offers a wide range of alternative career opportunities. Beyond astronauts, space agencies and private aerospace organisations require large, multidisciplinary teams to support missions, research, and operations. For those passionate about space but seeking other career paths, the following roles are highly relevant and in demand in India:

Alternative Careers in India for Astronaut	Description of the Alternative Career
Aerospace Engineers	Design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Chemists	Work on materials, fuels, and chemical processes used in space applications.
Mechanical Engineers	Develop mechanical systems for spacecraft, satellites, and launch vehicles.
Physicists	Conduct research on space phenomena, propulsion, and orbital mechanics.
Aeroplane Pilots	Gain experience in flight operations, which can be a pathway to astronaut selection.
Biologists	Study the effects of space conditions on living organisms and ecosystems.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Design and maintain spacecraft electronics, sensors, and communication systems.
Materials Engineers	Develop and test materials capable of withstanding extreme space conditions.
Medical Scientists	Focus on human physiology, health, and safety in space environments.
Biomedical Engineers	Create medical devices and monitoring systems for astronauts.
Robotics Engineers	Develop robotic systems for exploration, satellite servicing, and space station operations.
Validation Engineers	Test spacecraft systems to ensure they meet mission requirements and safety standards.

A career in space demands discipline, resilience, and long-term commitment. A strong academic path, practical training, and steady physical preparation give future astronauts the foundation they need. Each stage of the journey builds confidence for missions that rely on precision and teamwork. With continuous learning and a clear focus, an aspiring candidate can move closer to joining professional space programs that value scientific expertise and global collaboration.

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