As a childhood fantasy I always wondered how to become an astronaut. I even remember friends of mine who in their interview for senior grammar school told the headmaster that they wanted to be a spaceman after leaving school!
So i did some digging with the European Space Agency to see what exactly you need to become a member. Quite surprisingly i meet most of the qualifications and experience required!
During research i established the main qualifications and experience needed to be an ESA astronaut.
These include
Need: Masters degree in STEM
Got/doing : Integrated Masters Degree in Engineering pending
Languages
Got: Basic French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Mandarin, few Russian phrases
Pilot Training
Got: 3 years ATC RAF Air Cadets, gliders, planes plus 37 hours helicopters private, simulators . As a cadet I learned how to fly gliders, had around 10 hours flying planes and privately learned how to fly helicopters (Robinson R22 & some R44 helicopters).
Physical and Mental Health requirements
Do: Train 3 times a week, practice havening technique / psychological exercises
Did: Volleyball (school team, and winners of 2nd division N.Ireland Volleyball league)
Need: Leadership, Teamwork and Communication skills
Did: Survival, ATC Air Cadets, personal development, parachuting, Duke of Edinburgh (silver) . Aged 18, I passed a ‘Survival in the wild’ course with the Outward Bound Ullswater organisation, where ex-military instructors taught me survival skills for 8 days. In the Air Cadets, I reached Sergeant rank, where i was in charge of a dozen or so cadets, teaching them drill and other skills, including adventure challenges. I was a civilian instructor for around 6 months, and a cadet for 3 years. Aged 18 i completed 2 parachute jumps with the Wild Geese skydiving club.
Required: Advanced education
Got: 7 GCSEs, 2 A-levels, about 10 BTECS, 2 HNC’s (Higher National Certificates in Computing, Engineering), Diploma of HE (Higher Education Engineering), HND Photography (studied photography for 7 years, all the way from level 1 to level 5 HND Distinction level).
Over the years, I also completed courses or have experience in Web design, digital marketing, photo, video editing, Python, IT Technician (I used to be a computer technician), networking (inc. CCNA 1&2)
Do: Goal setting, personal development – i am constantly reviewing and setting goals influenced by authors like Brian Tracy and Tony Robbins.
So it looks like with a little work I could stand a chance!
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ATC 1991 looking like my father so I am told!
A few of my certifications below…
A quick video of me landing at Newtownards airport as part of my helicopter pilot training (below)