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How to become an astronaut abroad is ideal for students who aim to build a career in space science and global STEM fields. The pathway explains academic preparation, technical training, and professional experience required by international space agencies. It outlines degree options, research focus, and physical standards needed for selection. The guidance supports domestic and international students planning a long-term career in space exploration. To understand the complete process and opportunities, continue reading the article below
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How to Become an Astronaut Abroad: A Step-by-Step Global Roadmap (2026)
Learning how to become an astronaut abroad requires structured academic planning and advanced technical training. It also demands physical fitness, mental resilience, and professional experience. International space agencies follow strict and competitive selection standards.
The roadmap below explains the key stages aspirants must prepare for when pursuing an astronaut career outside their home country.
Education and Core Skills
The journey begins with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline. It is followed by a master’s degree or PhD in engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, or computer science. Studying at globally recognised universities with strong aerospace and space research programmes strengthens technical depth and research exposure.
Alongside academics, agencies value leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, stress management, and multilingual communication skills.
Professional Experience
Most space agencies require a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience after completing higher education. For pilot astronaut tracks, significant flight hours in high-performance aircraft are expected.
Experience in research laboratories, aerospace industries, space missions, or advanced engineering projects strengthens an applicant’s profile.
Agency Eligibility
Agency eligibility depends heavily on citizenship. NASA recruits only U.S. citizens. European Space Agency (ESA) selects candidates from its member and associate countries. Agencies such as Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) follow similar nationality-based criteria.
For international aspirants, realistic pathways include pursuing higher education and careers in eligible countries. Participation in international space collaborations and private spaceflight programmes also improves long-term prospects.
Types of Astronauts and How They Shape the Path to Becoming One Abroad
Understanding astronaut roles is an important step in learning how to become an astronaut abroad. Modern space missions no longer follow a single selection profile. International space agencies now choose specialists based on specific mission needs. Astronaut careers mainly fall into two core categories. A few emerging roles have also developed through global collaboration and commercial spaceflight.
1. Pilot Astronauts
Pilot astronauts usually come from strong aviation and operational backgrounds. Most are military or test pilots. Their main role is to fly and control spacecraft during launch, docking, re-entry, and emergency situations. They often serve as pilots or commanders. They supervise mission execution and monitor spacecraft systems.
Training for pilot astronauts is highly demanding. It includes simulator sessions and spacecraft systems training. It also requires extensive experience with high-performance aircraft. For students planning how to become an astronaut abroad, this path usually involves degrees in engineering or physical sciences. It also requires significant flying and operational experience.
2. Mission Specialist Astronauts
Mission specialists form the largest group of astronauts in current missions. They provide scientific, engineering, medical, or technical expertise. Their duties include conducting experiments and performing spacewalks. They operate robotic systems and maintain onboard equipment. They also manage life-support resources.
Training for mission specialists focuses on robotics and extravehicular activities. It covers systems operations and mission-specific scientific tasks. This path suits students exploring what to study to become an astronaut. It is ideal for those from research, engineering, medicine, or applied science backgrounds.
3. Additional Modern Roles
New astronaut roles have emerged due to international cooperation and private spaceflight. These include project-based astronauts selected for specific missions. They also include international partner astronauts from agencies such as ESA and JAXA.
Commercial astronauts flying on private missions are part of this group. These roles are not always long-term careers. They reflect the changing and global nature of space exploration.
Explore: How to Become an Astronaut in India
How to Become an Astronaut Abroad: Academic Pathways and Global Universities
Building on the discussion of astronaut roles and eligibility, academic planning plays a decisive role in shaping this career path. Learning how to become an astronaut abroad begins with choosing the right field of study and the right university. For students assessing what to study to become an astronaut, programmes in aerospace engineering, space science, physics, and applied engineering provide the most relevant preparation.
Leading global universities offer advanced laboratories, research-based coursework, and collaboration with space agencies and industry partners. These environments reflect real mission conditions. Many institutions listed below are known for producing graduates who move into space research, aerospace technology development, and, in select cases, international astronaut selection pipelines.
| Name of University | Country | Relevant Programmes | Approx. Annual Fees (International) | Why The University Matters for Astronaut Aspirants |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | Aeronautics & Astronautics | USD 60,000 to USD 65,000 | Strong NASA links, cutting-edge aerospace research |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | USA | Aerospace Engineering, Space Science | USD 60,000 to USD 65,000 | Close collaboration with NASA JPL |
| Stanford University | USA | Aeronautics & Astronautics | USD 60,000 to USD 65,000 | Research-driven, innovation-focused |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | USA | Aerospace Engineering | USD 33,000 to USD 35,000 | Strong industry and space research exposure |
| Purdue University | USA | Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering | USD 30,000 to USD 32,000 | Known for astronaut alumni |
| University of Michigan | USA | Aerospace Engineering | USD 55,000 to USD 60,000 | Advanced propulsion and systems research |
| University of Colorado Boulder | USA | Aerospace Engineering Sciences | USD 40,000 to USD 45,000 | Strong focus on space missions and satellites |
| TU Delft | Netherlands | Aerospace Engineering | EUR 15,000 to EUR 20,000 | Leading European aerospace hub |
| Imperial College London | UK | Aeronautical Engineering | GBP 35,000 to GBP 40,000 | Research-led engineering education |
| University of Cambridge | UK | Engineering (Aerospace Track) | GBP 35,000 to GBP 40,000 | Strong theoretical and applied science base |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | Mechanical/Process Engineering | CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 | World-class research with low fees |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Germany | Aerospace Engineering | ~EUR 150 per semester | Highly affordable, strong industry ties |
| Cranfield University | UK | Astronautics & Space Engineering | GBP 25,000 to GBP 30,000 | Specialised postgraduate space focus |
| EPFL | Switzerland | Mechanical Engineering (Space Focus) | CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 | Advanced robotics and space systems |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Aerospace Engineering | CAD 60,000 to CAD 65,000 | Strong research and international exposure |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Track) | SGD 40,000 to SGD 50,000 | Asia-focused space and tech research |
| Politecnico di Milano | Italy | Aerospace Engineering | EUR 3,000 to EUR 4,000 | Cost-effective European aerospace education |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden | Aerospace Engineering | SEK 300,000 to SEK 350,000 (program) | Strong systems and propulsion focus |
| ISAE-SUPAERO | France | Aerospace Engineering | EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 | Elite aerospace school in Europe |
| International Space University (ISU) | France | Master in Space Studies | EUR 25,000 to EUR 30,000 | Interdisciplinary space mission training |
Also Read: How to Become a Space Scientist in ISRO
Salary & Career Prospects for Astronauts (2026)
Becoming an astronaut in 2026 offers stable income and strong long-term career value within government and international space agencies. Salary levels are higher than most STEM roles. The profession includes structured pay scales, strong benefits, and job security. It also offers global recognition and long-term growth potential across space research and exploration missions.
The following are the estimated salary ranges for different career levels.
| Name of Space Agency | Career Level | Estimated Salary Range | Average Salary | Additional Benefits |
| NASA (United States) | Entry Level | USD 100,000 to USD 110,000 per year | USD 140,000 to USD 150,000 per year | Federal pension benefits, comprehensive health insurance, locality pay, and limited mission allowances |
| Mid-Career | USD 120,000 to USD 160,000 per year | |||
| Senior Level | Up to USD 180,000+ per year | |||
| European Space Agency (ESA) | Entry Level | EUR 60,000 to EUR 78,000 net per year | EUR 85,000 to EUR 95,000 net per year | Tax-exempt salary, family allowances, relocation support, long-term pension contributions |
| Experienced Level | EUR 80,000 to EUR 110,000 net per year | |||
| Canadian Space Agency (CSA) | All Levels | CAD 130,000 to CAD 150,000 per year | CAD 130,000 to CAD 150,000 per year | Government employment benefits, pension, mission allowances |
| Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) | All Levels | USD 70,000 to USD 85,000 per year | USD 70,000 to USD 85,000 per year | Government scientist benefits, long-term service incentives |
| Private and Commercial Space Missions | Mission-Based | USD 150,000 to USD 300,000+ per mission | Varies by contract | Contract-based compensation, mission bonuses, performance-linked payments |
Also Read: How to Become a Space Scientist
Becoming an astronaut abroad is a long-term and highly selective journey that requires careful academic planning, professional excellence, and personal resilience. From understanding astronaut roles and choosing the right STEM discipline to gaining global education exposure and meeting space agency eligibility criteria, every step plays a critical role. While the path is challenging, it offers unmatched professional recognition, meaningful contribution to space exploration, and strong career prospects both during and after active service. With the right preparation and sustained commitment, aspiring candidates can turn a lifelong ambition into a structured and achievable goal.
FAQs
Approximately, it takes around 10 years to become an Astronaut or to go into space. If we divide it properly, it will take 3-4 years to complete your Bachelor’s, then 2 years for your Master’s, 2 years of gaining experience and then around 2-3 years of training before you start exploring space.
The best degrees to become an Astronaut are in STEM Science. You can pursue Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or any other degree with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects to become an Astronaut.
Yes, with the right qualifications and training, Indians can become astronauts at NASA. In fact, Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams are some of the famous Indian astronauts who have worked at NASA among many others.
Ans. Yes, international students can become astronauts abroad if they meet the citizenship, education, and professional requirements of specific space agencies. Agencies such as ESA accept candidates from member countries, while NASA requires U.S. citizenship.
Ans. Even without astronaut selection, the same education and experience lead to strong careers in aerospace engineering, space research, satellite technology, academia, and leadership roles in global space organisations.
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