Want to fly to space? Here's how to become an astronaut

India Today

4 days ago

Ever since the first Star Trek movie, millions have imagined themselves aboard a spaceship, floating among stars, navigating black holes, or setting foot on distant planets. Films like Interstellar, Gravity, and The Martian have only fuelled that dream. On June 25, 2025, Subhanshu Shukhla created history, by becoming the second Indian citizen to fly into space. He did so on a joint mission of ISRO, NASA and ESA.advertisementFor many in India, the dream of becoming an astronaut isn't just science fiction anymore -- it's starting to feel real, especially with the rapid advancements ISRO has been making. But interest alone isn't enough. Taking part in science and maths Olympiads, or even NASA-backed competitions, can really help build the foundation.ISRO and NASA offer several internships to give students hands-on experience from a young age.
One question that comes up a lot is -- do you need a full degree, or can a short course be enough? That's something we're going to break down too.With ISRO's growing space ambitions and missions like Gaganyaan on the horizon, this is the perfect time to work on your astronaut dreams.
Indian and Indian-origin astronauts who've travelled to space (Image: Several)
advertisementBut how does one actually become an astronaut in India? Here's a step-by-step guide.1. START WITH THE RIGHT EDUCATIONBeing an astronaut is not just a career -- it's a job role that requires deep specialisation. Despite the fact that most astronauts only get a chance to fly once or twice in their lifetime, becoming one demands expertise in areas like aerospace engineering, space science, military aviation or test piloting, robotics, medicine, or physics.The journey begins in the classroom, where a strong foundation in science and mathematics is essential.After completing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM), students should aim for a bachelor's degree in fields like engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, or aeronautical engineering.Most astronauts continue serving as engineers, scientists, or military officers between missions, contributing to research, training, and mission planning.For those drawn to aircrafts, rockets, and the mechanics of flight, aeronautical or aerospace engineering is a natural choice.Some of the top institutions offering these courses are the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram -- ISRO's own academic wing -- along with IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, and Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai.Also, remember that the 2023 Lunar South Pole landing was pulled off by Indian researchers hailing from small-town colleges. IITs are definitely not the only route to space!advertisementRelevant courses that will take you to space can dive into everything from space propulsion and flight mechanics to satellite design and thermal systems -- topics you'll later find inside real missions.ISRO also gives students a closer look into space work through internship programmes, where budding scientists can contribute to real research -- be it satellite systems or mission planning. Students can keep an eye on the official ISRO website for all its offerings for school and college students.
Image: NASA
And if you're a top performer at IIST, there's an even bigger reward: direct recruitment to ISRO, without any additional exams.In short, choosing the right degree and college isn't just about a certificate -- it's about building the tools you'll one day need in orbit.2. BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FITFloating in zero gravity may look effortless in movies, but the reality is far more demanding.advertisementAstronauts face intense physical and mental challenges while in space -- from bone loss and muscle weakening to psychological stress. That's why being physically and mentally fit isn't just a requirement -- it's a necessity.Before stepping into a space suit, candidates must pass a series of strict medical and fitness tests.These include having perfect or near-perfect vision, normal blood pressure, excellent heart and lung function, and a healthy body weight.Even something as simple as motion sickness can disqualify a candidate.But space doesn't just test the body -- it tests the mind. Astronauts live in confined, high-pressure environments for weeks or months, often without real-time contact with Earth.They must work with international teams, perform emergency tasks, and manage technical failures with calm and precision. So agencies look for people who can stay focused, emotionally stable, and alert under pressure.Training often includes survival exercises, zero-gravity simulations, high-G training, underwater operations, and even isolation tests that simulate the psychological effects of long space missions.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
advertisementIn short, being an astronaut means training like an elite athlete -- not just to stay strong, but to stay sharp. Those who make it through aren't just smart -- they're tough, adaptable, and ready to face the unknown.3. ALTERNATE ROUTE: JOIN THE AIR FORCEAstronauts in a large number around the world come from backgrounds in aviation, engineering, or science -- and India is no different, with both Indian citizens, Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla, who have travelled to space coming from the Indian Air Force.One of the most direct and recognised routes to space in India is through the Indian Air Force (IAF).Many space agencies, including ISRO and NASA, prefer candidates who have experience in high-risk, high-discipline environments like military aviation.If you've ever dreamed of flying fighter jets or handling complex aircraft systems, this could be your path.To start, students can apply to the National Defence Academy (NDA) after Class 12 or pursue engineering and then join the Air Force Academy.After completing rigorous training, you can become a fighter pilot and later qualify as a test pilot, which is often a critical requirement for crewed space missions.Test pilots are trained to fly newly developed or modified aircraft under extreme conditions -- skills that closely mirror what astronauts face in space.advertisementSelection into test pilot training is highly competitive. After gaining flight experience, candidates undergo specialised training at institutes like the Air Force Test Pilot School in Bengaluru or sometimes abroad.From there, they can be shortlisted by agencies like ISRO for spaceflight missions, especially with India preparing for its first crewed mission under the Gaganyaan programme.4. ADVANCED TRAINING AND SPECIALISATIONAstronaut candidates often need additional training in areas like aviation, robotics, zero-gravity, survival skills, and space medicine.Those from the IAF are often already trained pilots, but others may need to undergo special programmes.India's upcoming human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, is expected to open more opportunities for civilian candidates in the future. For the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO selected test pilots from the IAF and sent them to Russia for astronaut training in collaboration with Glavkosmos.As ISRO expands its human spaceflight programme, more openings are expected for engineers, scientists, and possibly civilians in future astronaut selection rounds. Staying updated on ISRO announcements, exams, and training programmes will be key.With the Gaganyaan mission and future space plans on the rise, India is opening new doors for those aiming for stars.It takes years of hard work, discipline, and the right training, but for those who make it, the reward is a chance to carry the Indian flag into space.- Ends