I want to be a NASA pilot but :(?

c_tap77

Join ROTC...that is a really good foot in the door and try your best to get into a pilot training program after you graduate. Aeronautical Science (while not any of the "approved majors" is still on the right track so I wouldn't worry too much about it and if you are i'm sure you can go to graduate school for aeronautical engineering or physics. But I think the biggest goal for you right now is to get into an air force pilot training program and try to fly fighters...it's the fighter pilots who usually become astronauts. My dad is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force...so I know things :) Hope this helps.

D S

Many Navy Pilots have also gone on to NASA, think outside of the Airforce.
You need to talk to your counselor at school or a recruiter and they will be able to give you lots of information.

joe

Isn't Aeronautical science a type of physical science? if not go for build up a solid career with the degree you have, and once you have a solid background and some savings go back and get another BA in the required field. Though you definitely will need a lot more than a BA to get accepted. A masters or PhD is preferable for the program, and most astronauts have multiple degrees in fields as varying as Business and marine biology.

Get into terrific shape, take on large responsibilities, and show extreme initiative in whatever field you pursue, because NASA will require it to even consider you.

collegekid1987

First of all, mad props to you for actually following every child's dream of being an astronaut. What kind of classes are you required to take for aeronautical science, because it may be considered as a type of engineering, right? Contact AFROTC and ask them so that you are sure.

Buckeye Fever

My best advice to you is to:

First join the ROTC team and get your foot in the door (as already mentioned)

Keep your grades top notch. Not coming from an Academy is already going to ding you in vying for a pilot slot. The USAF gives out less than a thousand slots a year, and over half are given to the USAFA, the rest are divided amongst the thousands of colleges in the nation.

After USAF OTS, and after filling out your duties as a "Casual LT" (Butter Bar waiting for a slot), start focusing on UPT (Undergrad Pilot Training). It will be your performance in UPT that will make or break you. The better you do, the more likely you are to get fighters (F-22, A-10, etc).

NOTE: You don't have to go the pilot route, you could easily be a Navigator and attend UNT in the same manner.

After UPT/UNT, you will get spun up on your aircraft and then finally be given your home base. Once at your home base, don't make it known you are wanting to be an Astronaut, it could be quite embarrassing and you will be treated as if you are attempting to be "better".

Once in the Air Force, focus on your Masters (you will need it an anyways to put on LTC [Lt Colonel]). Your Masters will be free, use it wisely and don't go through Air War College, get it through an accredited college with a science degree.

Now, start submitting your paperwork to NASA, include an official USAF Resume (can be found in the "USAF Tongue & Quill"). Should you not be accepted, you could also use your degree to work with NASA as a controller or scientist on the ground.

Hope it helps, and good luck.

grb

There is lots of opportunity.

Good Luck and God Speed.

Zoe R

You are aware that Nasa's current plans are to retire the shuttle in a year or two, and not have any manned flights until the Orion program (which isn't expected to fly for at least 5 years after that - 2015)?

Not a lot of opportunity there.

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