Training

Selection

Commercial astronauts need to be able to apply their considerable knowledge and skills to the tasks for which they have been trained. They must get along well with other members of the crew and have an affinity for teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Commercial astronauts also need self-control, mature judgement, and an equable temperament to cope with stress and to respond to any contingencies that may arise.

   

A4H astronaut candidates follow a progressive, integrated training program that emphasizes the ability to perform missions effectively during all phases of flight as well as in emergency contingencies. Those selected as A4H astronaut candidates possess a unique combination of established scientific expertise, broad technical and operational skills, and a history of activities showing adaptability in challenging environments.

A4H Training ^*

A4H training provides basic knowledge on various technical and scientific disciplines and brings all new astronaut candidates, who have different professional backgrounds and expertise, to a common minimum knowledge base in subjects of relevance for their future career as a commercial astronaut. The academic phase deals with technical disciplines such as spaceflight engineering, aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics, and science applications like research in microgravity.

The two tracks in the A4H training program are Research Specialist Training and Operations Specialist Training, which qualifies A4H Research Specialist Astronauts (RSAs) and Operations Specialist Astronauts (OSAs). RSAs are trained to be effective payload operators, while OSAs are qualified to support a wide range of mission objectives beyond payload operation. They will manage and oversee mission operations, prioritize operational and research objectives, help operate spacecraft systems, handle emergencies, and ensure the overall success of a mission and the safety of those on board. Operations Specialist candidates undergo a much broader training program compared with Research Specialists.

Research Specialist Training			Operations Specialist Training
Type	Requirement		Type	Requirement
Education	Masters degree or equivalent		Prerequisite	Research Specialist Training
Medical	FAA Class III		Medical	FAA Class II
Aviation	hypoxia (altitude chamber) training		Aviation	Private Pilot Certificate (Instrument Rating preferred)
Acceleration	at least 3.5 Gz and 6 Gx in a centrifuge followed by unusual attitude aerobatic flight		Acceleration	unusual attitude aerobatic rating
Microgravity	at least one parabolic flight consisting of 15 or more parabolic zero-g maneuvers		Microgravity	same as Research Specialist
Emergency	egress (dunker tank) training		Emergency	sea and wilderness survival training, Emergency First Responder or equivalent
Performance	distraction factors and time management training, motion sickness assessment		Performance	motion sickness desensitization training
Analog	Open Water SCUBA or equivalent		Analog	Master Diver SCUBA or equivalent
Academic	human performance, life support systems, spacecraft systems overview, and space environment		Academic	crew management, mission planning & operations, science applications, spacecraft subsystems, navigation

A4H Wings

A4H Flight Members completing either training program will earn silver A4H wings corresponding to the appropriate qualification, which will be upgraded to gold wings upon the completion of their first space flights. Any person who completes all A4H training elements and has not been formally selected as an A4H Flight Member may petition for recognition of the training, which will result in the awarding of bronze wings.

Mission & Systems Training

Once selected for a mission, A4H astronauts undergo Mission & Systems Training which provides a detailed overview of all vehicle onboard systems, as well as ground systems like launch sites and control centers. During this training phase, the A4H astronauts learn everything they need to know for their specific flight. All crewmembers train together so they learn to work efficiently as a team.


* The A4H training program presented here applies to A4H members only. While we think this preparation will best prepare us for roles as professional commercial astronauts, no industry-wide standard is expressed or implied.