Answer: B — 339
The first NASA astronaut candidates were selected in 1959 for Project Mercury.
Since then, tens of thousands have applied for NASA's intense astronaut training program, but only 339 people have been selected. The newest members of the team were announced last July:
1. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Josh Cassada
2. Lt. Cmdr. Victor Glover
3. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler "Nick" Hague
4. Christina Hammock
5. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Nicole Mann
6. U.S. Army Maj. Anne McClain
7. Jessica Meir
8. U.S. Army Maj. Andrew Morgan
Answer: A — True
NASA has a number of basic qualification requirements, and the first is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in at least one of the following fields: engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics.
3. Besides a Bachelor's degree, what else do candidates need?
A. At least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft
B. A doctoral degree in science, engineering, or math
C. At least 3 years of teaching K-12 levels in science, engineering, or math
D. One of the above
Answer: D — One of the above
After earning a Bachelor's degree in one of the four required fields, qualified applicants must complete at least 3 years of related professional experience. That can include studying an appropriate field in a graduate program, teaching K-12 levels in science, engineering, or math, or completing at least 1,000 hours of piloting a jet aircraft.
By these standards, the astrophysicist and famed host of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson, who earned his PhD in astrophysics from Columbia University in 1991, qualifies!
4. Which of the following must candidates have in order to pass NASA's astronaut physical exam?
A. They're between 62 and 75 inches tall.
B. They can run a marathon in under 4 hours.
C. They can hold their breath for at least 90 seconds without losing consciousness.
D. They are no older than 50 years.
Answer: A — Astronauts must all be between 62 and 75 inches tall.
Every astronaut must pass NASA's 3 basic physical requirements which are:
1. 20/20 vision in each eye — people can get PRK or LASIK to correct their vision to meet the necessary requirements
2. Blood pressure that does not exceed 140/90 in a sitting position
3. A standing height of between 62 and 75 inches, or 5.1 and 6.25 feet.
Contrary to popular belief, there are no age limits on becoming a NASA astronaut. However, most candidates selected in the past were between 26 and 46 years old.
5. Say you're one of the few candidates to be selected. Where do you go next for your NASA astronaut training?
A. Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida
B. Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland
C. Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California
D. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas
Answer: D — Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas
Astronauts complete a 2-year training program at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Part of the training requires that candidates become SCUBA qualified and pass a swimming test to prep them for the underwater extra vehicular activity (EVA) training they perform at the nearby Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. This giant 6.2-million-gallon pool simulates microgravity environments to get astronauts ready for space walks.
Answer: B — False
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need military experience to become an astronaut. However, a little experience certainly wouldn't hurt your chances. As of the 2009 Astronaut Class, 61% of candidates that NASA selects came from military service.
Answer: A — US citizenship
To qualify, applicants must be citizens of the US or have a valid US dual-citizenship.
When NASA was selecting candidates for its Mercury program back in the late '50s, they required piloting experience, but today that requirement is no longer in place. However, if you don't have military experience and want to be a NASA astronaut, you might want to consider getting your pilot's license. Many astronauts without a military background have one, according to USAToday.
10. When will NASA begin accepting its next round of astronaut applications?
A. Right now
B. Dec. 14, 2015
C. Jan. 2, 2016
D. They're always accepting applications
Answer: B -- Dec. 14, 2015
NASA will be accepting applications for consideration from Dec. 14 through mid-February of next year. Civilians and military personnel can apply through the Office of Personnel Management's USAJOBS site at www.usajobs.gov.
NASA expects to announce its selections by mid-2017.