Becoming an Astronaut

Because water is the environment that most nearly resembles the weightlessness astronauts must learn to cope with in space.

As a Mission Specialist 2 (MS2), Marc Garneau will be part of the command crew, assisting the commander and the pilot of the Shuttle in the cockpit for the crucial eight and a half minutes during the launch of the Shuttle Endeavour. Marc Garneau is the first Canadian to do that job. Cool, eh?

Start by earning at least one advanced degree in science or engineering; become proficient in more than one discipline; master the art of public speaking, preferably in both official languages (English and French); take part in community activities; maintain your physical fitness; acquire a background of knowledge in aerospace topics; obtain experience as a pilot, parachute jumper and scuba diver; and consider working for an aerospace company during school breaks to get hands-on experience.

Interested in learning more? Check out the pages on becoming an astronaut and on space careers!

Astronauts need to learn about all sorts of subjects related to space missions and ground activities, such as astronomy, photography, life support in microgravity, radio communications, Earth observation, geology, oceanography, public relations and first-aid techniques.

Pretty good, actually! For example, you could pursue studies in engineering, robotic technology, technical writing, physics, biology – or even become an astronaut! See our "Careers in Space" section for further details.