What to Expect

If space is your ultimate destination, be prepared to map out a long academic career.

Chris Hadfield has worked as NASA's chief capsule communicator (an astronaut on the ground who maintains verbal contact with the shuttle crew during its mission). But he took a long road to get there.

After finishing high school in Canada, Hadfield became a military pilot. He pursued an honors degree in mechanical engineering and graduate studies in both mechanical engineering and aviation systems.

He also pursued the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), asking them when they would be hiring astronauts. When it asked for applications in 1992, Hadfield -- by then in the U.S. on an exchange program for test pilots -- fired off a resume.

The selection process included interviews, a scientific paper, a presentation in front of a review board and a long week of tests. By the time he got the good news, Hadfield says he was more relieved than jubilant.

In astronaut training in Houston, Hadfield and the other candidates studied the space shuttle and its systems, orbital mechanics, geology, geography and public relations.

"It's an enormous commitment -- a full-day, seven-days-a-week, evenings-and-weekends job," says Hadfield.

Would-be astronaut Mike Webb chose a major in space and communications science for his university experience. The four-year program revolves around mathematics, physics, astronomy and computer science. There are also specialized courses, such as the physics of the space environment, space communications and dynamics of space vehicles.

How to Prepare

You'll need a solid background in science and math. But remember: astronauts tend to be well-rounded people.

"As an astronaut," says Hadfield, "you can't be single-minded. You're going to be part of a group of people and you'll be called upon to do everything from cooking and cleaning to playing the guitar."

Webb took music and French in addition to all his math and science classes. He also participated in the arts, in sports and in student government.

Webb adds that it's important to focus on the future. "Start thinking about possible graduate degrees. Don't expect to be selected right after graduation. Most likely you will need to work in your field for five to 10 years so you can build up a solid base of accomplishments and credentials."