How Can I Join NASA?

I am appearing for my Class 12 exams this year. I am interested in satellites and the earth. I wish to become an astronaut and explore space. Which course and institution should I choose? How do I get into NASA?

- Athar

NASA takes on specialists from different disciplines including computer engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, optical engineering and also oceanography.

You can specialise at the master's level in any of these disciplines and then do a PhD programme followed by at least three years of related progressively-responsible, professional experience to qualify for a NASA job.

Depending on where your interests lie, you can also go for electrical / electronics/ electrical communications engineering before taking up a master's or PhD in a specialised field of engineering or space science.

There are several institutes including the Bihar Institute of Technology, Mesra and Ranchi University which offer ME in space engineering and rocketry. Andhra University, Osmania University and Anna University offer MSc programmes in atmospheric and space sciences. Bangalore's Indian Institute of Astrophysics (www.iiap.ernet.in) offers Ph D programmes in astronomy and astrophysics. Selection to these institutes is through a Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). The minimum qualification required to take the JEST is a master's degree in physics or a degree in engineering.

If NASA is your goal, it may be useful to check its website www.nasajobs.gov. NASA also has a Career Intern Program to attract and recruit exceptional individuals into a variety of entry-level occupations. Participants in this two-year programme gain valuable on-the-job experience and formal classroom training.

Author: Usha Albuquerque (HT Horizons)

Date: 3rd March, 2011

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