NASA answers the question that many of us ask ourselves about the compensation of an astronaut , in addition to other curiosities that surround the most sacrificial work of all.
Being an astronaut is the most important dream for many people and it is one of the most difficult paths to fulfill in life. However, it is not an impossible goal and as an example we have the scientists that NASA periodically sends to the International Space Station.
Given this, a question that has always arisen is knowing how much money astronauts earn and the space agency itself has answered it before.
How much does an astronaut earn?
In the past launch of the Crew Dragon, the capsule developed by SpaceX . With Robert Benken and Douglas Hurley, NASA decided to share some details about the commanders of the mission to the ISS .
These two astronauts have been selected by NASA since 2000 and the agency has revealed the salary received by each of its space travelers. To be an astronaut you must have a very extensive preparation, NASA usually selects people with studies in some branch of science, pilots with many flight hours and professionals with a doctorate or master’s degree.
Civilian astronaut candidates are based on the United States Federal Government General Program salary scale that runs in grades from GS-12 to GS-13. This qualification of each person is determined according to their academic achievements and experience.
Currently, a NASA worker placed in GS-12 can start earning $65,140 a year and a GS-13 can earn up to $100,701 a year.
Military astronaut candidates are assigned to the Johnson Space Center and remain on active duty status for pay, benefits, leave, and other similar military matters.
More curiosities
The oldest astronaut to fly with NASA on the space shuttle was 77-year-old John Glenn, who flew on STS-95 in October/November 1998, and the youngest astronaut to date is 32-year-old Sally Ride.
To become an astronaut pilot you must have at least 1,000 hours of jet experience, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or math from an accredited institution .
Plus, you’ll have some serious competition, as NASA receives 4,000 applications for approximately 20 openings every two years.