So You Want To Be An Astronaut?

Is there any child in the modern era who never dreamed of being an astronaut? It seems hard to believe. Certainly this author spent a sizable chunk of her formative years geeking out on the space shuttle and reading up on the amazing world beyond the sky. That’s why it’s such a treat to have an actual astronaut at Worldcon. Better still, she came to talk about how she got to that place in life, and how others can follow in her footsteps.

Dr. Jeanette J. Epps was one of seven children, born in Syracuse, New York. She got her Bachelors in physics from Le Moyne College, and went on to get her postgraduate degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland. After getting her PhD, she took a job at the Ford Motor Company doing research, during which time she was awarded two patents. After being recruited to the CIA, she began to transition from research to operations, using stuff designed in the lab in the field.

At the time, she knew folks in the astronaut program, but didn’t think she had a chance. Still, she felt that it was something she’d have to do soon if she ever would, and knew she would regret it if she didn’t try at least once. To her surprise, she was accepted, and became part of the 2009 class of Astronaut Candidates, or “AsCans”.

One of the most important tools in astronaut training is, surprisingly enough, a jet airplane. The T-38 trainer is a workhorse plane where would-be astronauts learn to work in a high threat environment, in small cramped spaces, with exposure to variant g-forces. While riding a T-38, candidates learn firsthand about crew coordination and communications. Plus, the controls are very similar to the ones needed for robotics operation. It gives you in one place pretty much everything you need to learn to fly in space.

Speaking of robotics, that’s a pretty major part of the training these days as well. Robotic arm manipulation is a vital part of the International Space Station (ISS), where it used for maintenance and even for helping dock ships to the station. It takes a lot of practice to be able to manipulate the arm without damaging anything. Also, crew mates may be on the arm while you’re running it, so even more reason to be careful.

Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs) are a bigger and bigger part of the day-to-day operations of the ISS as components get older and need maintenance. To practice, NASA has the neutral buoyancy lab, basically a giant (6.2 million gallons!) pool with an ISS mock-up inside (this writer remembers when it held a mock-up of the shuttle cargo bay). There, candidates can practice maintenance tasks in a simulated zero-G environment. The average task takes about 6 hours, working nonstop in a highly demanding environment. The EVA suit weighs 310 pounds, and underneath it is a liquid cooling garment and what as known as the MAG (maximum absorbency garment — yes, a diaper. Six hours is a long time.) It takes hundreds of hours of practice before one can perform a real EVA.

Since the retirement of the space shuttle, our only way up to the ISS is via the Russian Soyuz. Consequently, candidates also have to learn some Russian. They get one year to get to intermediate low proficiency. Once they hit this mark, they spend five weeks in Moscow for full immersion.

One of the toughest aspects of the training is NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Expeditionary Training. This involves the whole class roughing it out in the wilderness for 10 days, with only 2 sets of clothes, plus a 50 lb pack with your water supply. According to Dr. Epps, you really find out who someone is under these circumstances. The knowledge that comes from being together under extreme circumstances can be immensely useful later on in the actual mission.

Read the full story here.