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.

The focus is on operational experience in situations where they will make real-time decisions in a relatively high-stress environment. To gain this experience, people tend to go to the Antarctic or do wilderness rescue. They may also get their private pilot's license. Teamwork an...