To_the_Moon

Astronauts “We choose to go to the Moon! We choose to go the Moon in this decade and to do the other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win... This is in some measures an act of faith and vision, for we do not know what benefits await us... But space is there and we are going to climb it.”--John F. Kennedy, 1962. This quote brings into light the importance of space exploration to our kind. There are men and women who risk their lives out in space to help bring to light the great mysteries of our universe. These people are astronauts, many people know astronauts fly spacecraft into space, but not many know the daily chores and activities of astronauts. What are astronauts' This is the main question to curious, aspiring students. The definition of an astronaut is as follows: Astronauts conduct experiments and gather information while in space flight. They also conduct experiments with the spacecraft itself to develop new concepts in design, engineering, and the navigation of a vehicle outside Earth’s atmosphere. A more in depth look at astronauts would be that astronauts conduct various experiments in space on an array of objects. These objects include different animals, plants, and in some cases the astronauts are required to conduct scientific experiments on themselves! Different astronauts complete different objectives while in space. For example, pilots control the space navigation; specialists do things like deploying satellites and repairing machinery in space. The information gained from these experiments and tests are critical to learn more about the gravity-free environment. An important fact to look at is the average pay. Initial pay is $42,000-$56,000. This number can expand with experience and difficulty of missions. Pay can reach upwards of $90,250 and higher. Taking into account that your food, clothing, and utilities are paid for in space, this is even more than it seems. One might ask themselves, “How do I become an astronaut'” Becoming an astronaut is by no means an easy feat. Specialized astronauts do not carry the same requirements as a standard spacecraft pilot,(Experience jet pilot with at least 1000 logged hours of flight time in the earth’s atmosphere) But all carry the same basic requirements no matter the position: A college education with a minimum of bachelor’s degree in either engineering, physical and/or biological science, or mathematics. An important and unknown requirement is that potential astronauts must be between the heights of 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 4 inches. Once requirements are met, training ensues. Typical training includes standard classroom work, flight training with spacecraft simulators, survival training for emergency situations, and basic mission training, with advanced mission training for knowledge personalized to each mission. While safety has increased in recent years, there is still danger in space travel. For example on January 28, 1986 The Challenger burst upon launch, killing all seven crewmembers. More recently a spacecraft named Columbia broke apart while re-entering Earth’s atmosphere on February 1, 2003. Space travel has and will continue to improve. It has opened many doors to the human race, and without brave astronauts to make the journey, we would have no idea about the wonders of space. While being an astronaut seems like fun and games, it’s a very serious profession with many requirements and responsibilities. Who knows where we would be without discoveries made in space. What we do know is that we owe astronauts much more than most people think, and that makes it worth the time is takes to becoming one. Works Cited Encyclopedia Sources Holli R. Cosgrove. Encyclopedia of Careers Chicago, Illinois. J.G. Ferguson Publishing Co. 1997 Holli R. Cosgrove. Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance Chicago, Illinois. J.G. Ferguson Publishing Co. 1997 Internet Sources Living in Space. Amiko Kauderer. 04/06/2009. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. March 17, 2011 http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/living/index.html Astronaut Salary. Nicholas Wethington. 10/1/2009. Universe Today. March 17, 2011 http://www.universetoday.com/41252/astronaut-salary/ Book Source Michael Ross. World Book A.1 North Michigan. World Book Inc., 2003 Robert C. Martin. Student Discovery Encyclopedia. Chicago, Illinois. World Book Inc., 2000