Applicants who have impeccable school records and plenty of outside experience but who do not possess the required interpersonal skills for the position, may be rejected solely on that basis. Being an astronaut really means being part of a team.
A significant number of applicants do not meet medical standards, and still others withdraw after gaining a complete understanding of the very demanding job. Based on the information collected during this investigation, ASB will choose its final candidates and pass that recommendation on to the NASA Administrator; he or she will make the final choices. Once selected, candidates begin a rigorous training program.
As with any other career, being an astronaut has drawbacks. One commonly shared among astronauts is the intense workload and the lack of time for their families. "With this job you could work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and still not get everything done. You have to strike a balance--that is the key," says Reightler. "There can be long hours that are unpredictable. Travel is involved especially during the busiest times -- three months before and two months after a launch," agreed Ochoa.
And if an applicant has hopes for a large salary -- say, comparable to those in the private sector -- they should look elsewhere. Astronauts begin their salary in accordance with the U.S. Government pay scale at GS-11 status (approximately $39,000) and top off at GS-14 status (approximately $78,000). That's not a whole lot for a dangerous job. But for those who dream of going into space, the pay is one of the lesser considerations.
