Are you ready to leave the planet? NASA is on the lookout for a new batch of astronauts, and the application window is open until April 2. The last time NASA sought applicants, over 12,000 individuals applied, with only 10 successful candidates selected, representing a mere 0.083% acceptance rate. This makes Harvard’s 3.5% acceptance rate among high school applicants seem plentiful in comparison.
April Jordan, NASA’s astronaut selection manager, emphasized the popularity of the application process, stating that it is an understatement to label it as ‘popular.’ She also highlighted that the criteria for becoming an astronaut in 2024 are vastly different from those of the 1960s, when astronauts were predominantly white men, mostly from military backgrounds.
Victor Glover, a seasoned astronaut with nine years of experience, provided insights into his journey through the rigorous selection process. He is set to pilot NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon next year. As part of NASA’s efforts to diversify its astronaut corps, Glover’s presence serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of space exploration.
