A requirement for selection to the astronaut program is to have United States citizenship and a degree in science, engineering or math.
 In addition, three years of professional experience for non-pilots and at least 1000 hours of jet flight time for pilots is required.
Community service is an advantage.
Lastly, applicants must be able to pass the NASA flight physical.
The selection process takes approximately 18 months.

Astronaut candidates go through two years of training.
They study engineering, earth and space science, meteorology and space station systems.
 They also undergo strenuous survival training including scuba certification and swim test qualifications.
 After this stage, the astronauts who are selected to continue work with senior astronauts who mentor them in furthering their training.
 In the final training period, the astronauts focus on the specific requirements for their mission.
A requirement for selection to the astronaut program is to have United States citizenship and a degree in science, engineering or math.  In addition, three years of professional experience for non-pilots and at least 1000 hours of jet flight time for pilots is required. Community service is an advantage. Lastly, applicants must be able to pass the NASA flight physical. The selection process takes approximately 18 months.
Astronaut candidates go through two years of training. They study engineering, earth and space science, meteorology and space station systems.  They also undergo strenuous survival training including scuba certification and swim test qualifications.  After this stage, the astronauts who are selected to continue work with senior astronauts who mentor them in furthering their training.  In the final training period, the astronauts focus on the specific requirements for their mission.
NASA Astronaut Group 21