Formal Astronauts example essay topic

Astronaut Formal Training In order to become an astronaut, there are many different training tests and programs you have to take and pass. People wanting to become astronauts begin their formal space transportation system training during the year they become candidates. The candidate starts off by reading manuals and by taking computer-based training lessons on the different Orbiter systems, which range from propulsion to environmental control. Next, the candidates have to do the single system's trainer (SST). In this process, each astronaut is accompanied with an instructor who helps teach about the operations of each Orbiter subsystem. The soon to be formal astronauts, are trained in the Sst to operate each system, to recognize malfunctions, and to perform corrective actions.

After the astronauts complete the SST training program, they begin training in the complex Shuttle Mission Simulators (SMS). The SMS provide the astronauts with knowledge in all the areas of shuttle vehicle operations and in all system tasks having to do with the major flight phases. The major flight phases include prelaunch, ascent, orbit operations, entry, and landing. The orbit training includes payload operation, payload deployment, retrieval, and maneuvers. Some of these parts are taught to the astronauts at various base crew stations. In the beginning, astronauts use generic training software in the SMS until they are assigned to a specific flight.

Approximately ten months before flight, astronauts train on a flight simulator with actual flight-specific training software. During the last eleven weeks, the astronauts also train with the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center (MCC). The astronauts and flight controllers learn to work as a team, solving problems and working together. After the flight assignment, the astronauts are in the SMS for about 300 hours. In addition to all previous training, the astronauts also have to go through programs that work with neutral buoyancy operations in the facility water tank to represent the weightless condition that the astronauts will experience when up in space.

They also practice meal preparation, equipment stowage, trash management, and the use of cameras. Astronauts often say that everything in training, besides the noise, vibration of the launch, and experience of weightlessness, are accurately duplicates the space experience. On top of more training, the astronauts who participate in the Russian Space Station Mir program receive extensive training of the Russian language before transferring to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. As you can see, to become an astronaut requires a lot of training in various subjects and programs. However, when an astronaut does complete the training, he or she is then ready for a flight into space, which for many is fulfilling a dream.

Hard work and much training is a must in becoming an astronaut.