Reaching for the stars sounds like the ultimate dream. Floating in space, looking down at Earth, and being part of something bigger than life itself captures the imagination of people around the world. But while becoming an astronaut is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling career paths imaginable, the reality is far tougher than most people expect.
If you have your sights set on space, it’s crucial to understand the real challenges ahead. Here are ten harsh truths that every aspiring astronaut should know before pursuing this extraordinary goal.
1. The Odds Are Astronomically Low
Getting selected as an astronaut is one of the most competitive achievements in the world. Thousands of highly qualified applicants apply during each recruitment round, but only a handful are chosen. For example, ESA’s 2022 astronaut selection attracted over 22,000 applicants, with just a few ultimately selected.
You might be brilliant, experienced, and passionate, but the sheer volume of global competition makes success far from guaranteed.
2. Academic Excellence Is Just the Starting Point
A degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or medicine is the bare minimum. Most successful candidates also have postgraduate qualifications and years of relevant experience, often including military flight training, robotics, or deep-sea diving.
Even with a PhD, if your practical experience or team skills are lacking, you could still be overlooked.
3. Physical Fitness Isn’t Just About Strength
Astronaut candidates must pass some of the strictest medical and physical evaluations in the world. Your eyesight, hearing, heart health, and overall physical condition need to be nearly perfect.
And it’s not about building muscle. Astronauts need stamina, coordination, and the ability to cope with long periods of inactivity, motion sickness, and unusual gravitational forces.
4. You’ll Be Away from Home a Lot
Astronauts don’t just travel to space. They spend years training at centres around the world, often relocating temporarily or permanently. When on mission, they can be away from loved ones for six months or longer.
The emotional toll of missing birthdays, holidays, and day-to-day life with family and friends can be significant.
5. Training Is Intense and Never-Ending
Even after being selected, astronaut training takes several years. It involves technical instruction, flight training, underwater simulations, survival exercises, robotics, and even language courses (yes, many astronauts need to learn Russian to operate the International Space Station).
The pressure to perform is constant, and learning never truly stops.
6. The Work Isn’t Always Glamorous
While the public sees the highlight reels, much of astronaut life involves maintenance work, repetitive tasks, and strict schedules. Scientific experiments must be carried out precisely, meals are basic, and personal time is limited.
There is also very little privacy, whether in the training environment or during missions in orbit.
7. You Have to Be Okay with Danger
Spaceflight is inherently risky. From launch to landing, astronauts face countless hazards including system malfunctions, radiation exposure, and microgravity-related health issues.
Past tragedies like the Challenger and Columbia disasters serve as solemn reminders of the risks involved.
8. Your Life Will Be Under a Microscope
Astronauts are closely monitored in every aspect of their lives. Psychological assessments, background checks, and ongoing health evaluations are standard. Once selected, you also become a public figure representing your agency and your country.
This level of scrutiny can be mentally exhausting, especially over long periods.
9. Career Stability Isn’t Guaranteed
Even after selection and training, there’s no promise you’ll make it to space. Budget cuts, mission cancellations, or changes in programme priorities can keep you grounded indefinitely. Some astronauts retire or move into other roles without ever leaving Earth.
The path is filled with uncertainty, and flexibility is essential.
10. Re-Entry to Normal Life Can Be Difficult
Returning from space isn’t just physically demanding; it can also be emotionally challenging. Astronauts often report a sense of disconnection after re-entering everyday life. There can be long-term health consequences, media attention, and a need to redefine your career path.
Adapting back to “normal” can be just as hard as reaching orbit.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an astronaut is one of the most remarkable goals a person can pursue. But it’s important to enter this journey with open eyes. The path is long, competitive, and often overwhelming.
However, if you’ve read these ten harsh truths and still feel determined, you might just have what it takes. The world needs dreamers who are also realists, and space agencies are always searching for individuals with the right mix of skill, resilience, and passion.
Still reaching for the stars? Start preparing today – your journey could begin right now.