The Lives of Astronauts

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A person who lives and works in space is an astronaut. Astronauts must be willing to go through strenuous training and studying in order to with hold the job. It is a job like no other. “There are no other jobs in the entire world that are going to let you look down on your planet”, says astronaut Marsha Ivins (Dyson 14). Because most people have never been in space, they can only use pictures and videos to describe it. Astronauts, though they may be looking at the same thing, have a completely different view. They are able to look down on their own planet, moon, and stars. That is amazing. The lives of astronauts are adventurous yet include a great deal of hard work because they need to have specific body requirements, long periods of training, and need to be physically fit. There are many specific requirements that need to be fulfilled in order for people to apply to become astronauts. According to NASA, all people choosing to apply must either have a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. Some degrees, though considered math or science, do not qualify. Three years of related work in that degree must come after in order to qualify (NASA 1). However, there are exceptions to that rule. For example, if a person had a Master’s Degree, it would eliminate one year of related work. If a person had a Doctoral Degree, three years of related work would be eliminated, which is all that is required ( NASA 1). Applicants must also have specific body requirements. This includes that the applicant’s vision must be able to be corrected to 20/20, and their blood pressure cannot go over 140/90 while sitting. Also, every position has different height requirements. Finally, all applicants have to ... ... middle of paper ... ... include a great deal of hard work. The astronauts have to train for a very long time because of all of the different roles taken on by them. They need to be strong both physically and mentally. There are many differences in living styles on the ISS compared to Earth. In addition to the way they eat, drink, and sleep, astronauts must adapt to separation from their family or friends for great lengths of time. Astronauts have to have a great desire to succeed in their job. Once they start going up, there is no turning back. They must also have great determination to succeed in their job. It takes much determination to get up every day for ascan training. Lastly, astronauts must have great dedication to succeed in their job. The job of being an astronaut is very important, and all astronauts have to want to do what they do. They have to work to be the best they can be.

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