What disqualifies you from being an astronaut?

It is important to note that degrees in the following fields are not considered qualifying even though they are related to engineering and sciences:

• Degrees in technology, including engineering technology, aviation technology, or medical technology

• Degrees in psychology (except for clinical psychology, physiological psychology, and experimental psychology, which are qualifying degree fields)

• Degrees in nursing

• Degrees in exercise physiology or similar fields

• Degrees in social sciences, including geography, anthropology, or archaeology

• Degrees in aviation, aviation management, or similar fields

Astronaut candidates must also be able to pass the NASA long-duration astronaut physical, which includes distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable, as are refractive surgical procedures of the eye.

Anthropometric requirements for the spacecraft and the spacesuit are also required as all crewmembers will be expected to fly aboard the spacecraft and perform spacewalks. All applicants will be evaluated to ensure they can meet the anthropometric requirements.

There are no formal age restrictions for the program; however, astronaut candidates are typically between 26 and 46 years of age, with the average age being 34. NASA will not grant waivers for their medical requirements.

NASA will look at what is required for spaceflight operations and what serious or life-threatening problems may develop. For that reason, all crewmembers must be free of medical conditions impairing the person's ability to participate in, or be aggravated by, spaceflight.