Becoming an astronaut: The selection process

Choosing NASA's astronauts is not a simple process. In March, 12,040 hopefuls, already in possession of a master's degree, applied to be members of the next class.

• The selection process involves a written application and reference checks as the process narrows down. Then, around 120 applicants will be invited to the first round of interviews.
• Some skills analysis and basic medical testing will be done, and then 40 to 60 people will be back for the second round of interviews.
• During the second round, they spend a week doing some team reaction exercises, individual performance exercises, and checking other competencies.