Astronaut+Training

 // **__ Astronaut Training __** // // ** Natalie Di Felice, Owen Collins, Elise St. Germain ** //  __** Requirements for Canadian Astronauts **__

Requirements Medical Requirements What is Involved in Astronaut Training Basic Training ISS Training Expedition Specific Training Condidtions in Space Astronaut Bibliographies Sources 

**Basic Requirements**

You must be a Canadian citizen or a resident of Canada, and have one of the following requirements:

A Bachelor' degree recognized in Canada, in either: Engineering or Applied Sciences, Science (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.) The bachelor's degree must also be followed by at least two years of related professional experience.

OR

A bachelor's degree along with a master's degree or a doctoral degree recognized in Canada, in either: Engineering or Applied Science, Science (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc)

OR

A license to practice medicine in a province or a territory of Canada.




 * Medical Requirements **

To be chosen, you must meet the strict medical criteria. You will be required to undergo Canadian Space Agency medical physical exams, which including these specific requirements: height between 149.5 cm and 190.5 cm, visual acuity must be 20/20 (6/6) or better in each eye, with or without correction (the refractive corrective surgical procedures PRK or LASIK are permitted), blood pressure must not exceed 140/90 mm Hg, measured in a sitting position. You must also meet the following pure tone audiometry hearing thresholds:

Frequency (Hertz): 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 Either ear (decibels): 30 25 25 35 50

After you have met the basic and medical requirements you will be asked to complete a second, more detailed, questionnaire. You will be reviewed based on academic, experience, expertise, certification and qualification requirements. Successful candidates will then be invited to a initial interview and will be evaluated by a Selection Board composed of specialists. You will be asked to provide additional information on your medical status as well as all required information necessary for the conduct of the security clearance investigation. Once you have done this the best-qualified applicants will be invited for a final interview and undergo medical and other testing. 

 **__What is involved in Canadian Astronaut Training? __** While on a mission, it is important that each astronaut is able to apply knowledge and skillss for a specific mission as well as those that may b  e needed in unforeseen circumstances. They must have a wide variety of technical qualifications and interpersonal talents, which are developed through a customized training program that continues throughout his or her career, even during missions. Astronauts must spend a large portion of their time training. Once selected by the CSA, astronaut candidates undergo basic training, to earn the title of "astronaut". After completing ISS training, they are eligible for flight selection. Each crew is carefully chosen based on the specific needs of the flight and the availability of qualified astronauts. After that, they are trained on expedition-specific tasks. A typical Canadian training program starts with Basic Training, then ISS Training, and finally expedition-specific training.

 **__Basic Training __** After a candidate has met the requirements and been accepted into the Canadian Space Program, they begin basic training at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and continues at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. The basic training focuses on bringing astronaut candidates from different backgrounds to the same level of knowledge and skills by covering a wide range of topics that include:

Candidates are taught about the history of space flight, the space station, and astronauts. This is important, because the astronauts must know what missions are in progress, what has already been achieved, and the context of their missions.
 * History of Space Flight **[[image:http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/multimedia/gallery/Apollo11_Launch.jpg width="138" height="189" align="right" caption="Apollo 11"]]

The fundamentals of space flight give the candidates a basic idea of how space flight is accomplished and what they must do. Candidates must learn about the essentials of many important skills for space flight.
 * Fundamentals of Space Flight **

This is important to the candidates because many life experiments are carried out in space, such as studying crops in microgravity situations. Also, if a base is ever to be created on another planet, astronauts must have an in-depth knowledge of the requirements of life and how organisms perform in different environments.
 * Life Science **

Candidates are taught about the physics and chemistry behind materials and fluids. This is important, because the astronauts must be aware of the forces acting on the many materials and fluids involved in the shuttle and the ISS.
 * Materials and Fluid Science **

This is becoming an increasingly important part of training, as robots automate more of the jobs on the shuttle and the ISS. Robots perform many of the tedious tasks which do not involve decision making or critical thinking, and astronauts must have a knowledge of how these systems operate.
 * Robotics **

Candidates are expected to have a strong knowledge, and are taught plenty about the specifics of flight. This is critically important to successful sp ace missions, as the space shuttle needs skilled pilots to operate it.
 * Flight Train **** ing **

Parachuting is taught to candidates in order to increase their knowledge of air resistance, and other effects on the shuttle and ISS. When the shuttle reenters earth’s atmosphere, parachutes assist the shuttle in decelerating. Additionally, the two solid rocket boosters, which are jettisoned two minutes after takeoff, return to earth on parachutes. Candidates are taught scuba because it imitates the affect of weightlessness and breathing compressed air, and because of its usefulness in the simulation of missions. It is one of the most predominant training methods used by astronauts.
 * Parachute Jumps **
 * SCUBA Diving **

** Physical Training ** Astronaut Candidates must be extremely fit to withstand the stresses of microgravity, and to operate systems properly. Rigorous training brings candidates up to the CSA standard.

Lifesaving techniques are important in the case of an emergency or an error. All astronauts have knowledge of first aid and CPR in case there are injuries on the shuttle or ISS.
 * First Aid and CPR **

Astronauts must be familiar with multiple languages, as there may be people of many different nationalities aboard the ISS. Russian, Japanese English, and French are important to Canadian astronauts.
 * Language Training **

Astronauts often have to do speeches and press conferences, so the candidates must be taught strong public speaking skills.
 * Public Speaking and Media Relations **

 After the candidate has succeeded at all of these exercises, they can officially be called Astronauts, and move on to International Space Station (ISS) Training. **__ISS Training __** The ISS is a joint project shared among the space agencies of Canada, the United States, Japan, Europe, and Russia. During ISS training, astronauts receive training in all space station onboard systems and participate in cross-cultural training. Each organization trains the international astronauts for their own equipment. For example, the Canadian Space Agency trains astronauts to use the Canadarm. ISS training starts approximately 12 months before expedition-specific training.

 **__Expedition Specific Training __** After ISS training, astronauts begin specialized training for their missions, such as mission simulations, and fitness training. This step may involve elaborate mock ups of spacewalks, or many underwater SCUBA mission simulations. The astronauts spend large amounts of time practicing missions with each other in order to develop teamwork and cooperation. This is the last chance for technicians to fine-tune the missions for the crew. In addition, some astronauts (called “Back Ups”) train alongside the expedition astronauts. These back ups will step in for the official astronauts if the astronauts cannot fulfill his or her responsibilities (e.g. sickness).

 **__Conditions in Space__**  **Microgravity:** When you think of life in space, you automatically think of astronauts flying around. We say that there is no gravity in space (or micro-gravity.) However, there are gravitational forces working, they are just extremely small compared to the gravity we are used to on earth. What the astronauts experience is perpetual falling; when you fall, you feel weightless. But, being in micro-gravity for long periods of time has adverse effects on the body. Such as the leaching of minerals, bone loss and muscle atrophy. To combat this, astronauts must be in the best physical shape and follow a strict exercise routine while in space.


 * Breathing:** On the space station, most of the oxygen is generated by electrolysis. Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The carbon dioxide that is breathed out by the astronauts is then vented into space. Other gases are removed by charcoal filters. On a space shuttle liquid oxygen and nitrogen are carried in tanks. These gases are circulated in the proper combination throughout the shuttle. There are also charcoal filters on the shuttle to remove toxic gases.


 * Heating:** The electrical machinery on the shuttle produces more than enough heat to keep the astronauts comfortable. However there are also other devices to transport and generate heat like: exchangers, pipes, lines, valves, boilers and cold plates etc.


 * [[image:astrosleep.jpg align="left"]]Sleeping:** Astronauts get eight hours of sleep every day, however it may be difficult because the sun rises ever hour and a half in space. Because of the micro-gravity, astronauts can sleep in any direction or position. However, they must be strapped down so that they don’t float around and bump into any controls. On the space shuttle there are only four bunk beds; others can sleep attached to seats or the wall. On the space station there are two small cabins, however, astronauts are allowed to sleep anywhere as long as they are strapped to something.


 * Clothes:** Astronauts do not need to change their clothes as often as people on earth. On the space station underwear and socks are changed every other day, exercise clothes are changed every three days and work shirts, every ten days. On the shuttle, astronauts can bring a change of clothes for every day. During the launch from or entry back into the earth’s atmosphere astronauts must wear special orange suits that provide protection in case of a problem during these procedures. They are equipped with oxygen, parachutes and other safety features.


 * Work:** In space, astronauts are always updating, repairing and monitoring equipment. Mostly the astronauts complete research and experiments. Especially in the space station the crew conducts research that can only be done in micro gravity. There are also medical experiments that the astronauts undertake to see how their bodies change and are effected by the conditions in space. *Fact* Roberta Bondar was approached and asked to travel to the space station Mir to complete a medical study to see the effects of micro-gravity on women. She refused, however, because she wanted to be valued for her knowledge and skill, not just for the fact that she was a woman. In space, the astronauts do not just work all of the time. Astronauts can play cards; talk to their families, exercise, read and of course sight-see.


 * Water:** Water is made in the shuttle’s fuel cells with hydrogen and oxygen. It is very important that none is wasted so astronauts use cloths and sponges instead of straight from the tap. Even their showers must be done with a cloth. Astronauts use about one fifth of the water we use on [[image:spacefood.jpg width="177" height="201" align="right"]]earth.


 * Food:** Our mental image of food in space is dehydrated or squeezed out of tubes. Luckily for the astronauts it has changed since then. Food can come in dehydrated, low moisture, heat-stabilized, irradiated and fresh. They can eat almost anything that can be eaten on earth (tea, steak, rice, granola, yogurt, fruit, pie, etc.) Astronauts eat using trays and regular utensils. The Gemini flights were the first to have hot water as well as the “spoon bowl” (a special type of utensil used in space.)


 * Sanitation:** The space shuttle must be kept very clean. Studies have shown that micro-organisms grow more quickly in space conditions. Everything must be cleaned regularly and garbage and dirty clothes must be sealed in airtight bags. To dispose of human waste they have toilets in space which take and exhaust urine into space while solids are dried in plastic bags and taken back to earth to be incinerated.

 **__ Astronaut Biographies __**

Roberta Bondar was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on December 4, 1945. She is certified in parachuting and scuba diving. She also holds a private pilot's license. Dr. Bondar is a distinguished neurologist as well as the first Canadian woman in space. She always dreamed of being an astronaut and scientist even as a child and went on to earn a great number of degrees in the fields of science and medicine. She has earned degrees at University of Guelph, Western Ontario, Toronto, McMaster and The Royal College of physicians and Surgeons. She has received honorary degrees at many more universities and institutions. Roberta has also received many other honours including the Order of Canada. She was selected as one of the first six Canadian astronauts in space out of four thousand applicants. She began her training as an astronaut in February 1984 and on January 22, 1992 she spent eight days in space aboard the shuttle Discovery as a payload specialist. Bondar retired on September 4, 1992 to pursue her research.
 * Roberta Bondar**  [[image:bondar.jpg width="200" height="259" align="left"]]
 * 

Julie Payette ** Julie Payette was born on October 20, 1963 in Montréal, Quebec. She knows six languages and has sung with Tafelmusik, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Piacere Vocale in Switzerland. She has studied at United World College of the Atlantic, McGill University and the University of Toronto with degrees in applied science computer and electrical engineering. She has also received honorary degrees from many universities, Queen’s, Ottawa, Simon Fraser, Laval, Regina, Royal Roads, Toronto, Victoria, Nipissing, McGill, McMaster, Lethbridge, Mount Allison and Alberta. She has also received a variety of awards. Payette was chosen as one of four from over five thousand applicants. After training, she worked as a technical advisor for the Mobile Servicing System, obtained her military and commercial pilot licenses and was certified as a deep-sea diving suit operator. Payette flew on the Shuttle Discovery on May 27, 1999. On this mission she supervised the system operations and was the first Canadian to board the Space Station. Also this was the first crew to manually dock the shuttle to the International Space Station. She has also worked for NASA and worked  as a communicator between Ground Control to Astronauts in space. Next month (June 2009) she is assigned to a mission to deliver Japanese-built Exposed Facility (JEM-EF) and Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section (ELM-ES) to the ISS. Julie was the Canadian Space Agency’s chief astronaut from 2000 to 2007.

I chose Marc Garneau because he was the first Canadian in space. Additionally, he was also a successful politician in Quebec. He has taken part in three space flights however, he is now retired. He has spent 29 days, 2 hours, and 1 minute in space.
 * Marc Garneau ** [[image:http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/portraits/garneau.jpg width="171" height="170" align="right"]]

** C **** hris Hadfield ** I chose Chris Hadfield because he was the first Canadian to do a spacewalk, and the only Canadian to visit Mir, the now-defunct Russian space station. He was a skilled pilot in the air force before his career as an astronaut. He has taken part in three space flights, and helped on mission control. He is still an active astronaut, and has spent 20 days, 2 hours, and 2 minutes in space.

**Valentina Tereshkova** Valentina Tereshkova was born on March 6, 1937, in the Volga River village of Maslennikovo, Russia. Her father, Vladimir Tereshkov, was a tractor driver and solider, and was killed during the war when Valentina was two. Her mother Elena Fyodorovna Tereshkova worked at the Krasny Perekop cotton mill. She single-handedly raised Valentina, aswell as her brother and sister. Valentina helped her mother at home and unfortunately was not able to start school until she was ten.

In 1959 Tereshkova joined the Yaroslavl Air Sports Club and became a skilled amateur parachutist. She was inspired by the flight of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, so she volunteered for the Soviet space program. Although she had no experience as a pilot, her achievement of 126 parachute jumps got her a position as a cosmonaut in 1961. Tereshkova was desired to be hired because of the fact her father was a hero and Russia wanted to gain the title of sending the first woman in space to try and show that they believed women were treated as equal there, although the truth was not so.

At 12:30 P.M. on June 16, 1963, Tereshkova became the first woman to be launched into space. Her flight lasted 48 orbits (1,200,000 miles) totaling 70 hours 50 minutes in space. She spent more time in orbit than all the U.S. Mercury astronauts combined, which totaled to 36 orbits.

**Neil Armstrong** Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, USA. From a very young age he had a very keen interest in aviation, as he took his first plane ride in a Ford Tri-Motor, a "Tin Goose," at the age of 6. He has a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from Purdue University and a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Southern California. Neil Armstrong was a navy pilot from 1949 to 1952. During this time he flew 78 combat missions in Navy Panther jets. After leaving the navy, he worked as a civilian test pilot assigned to test the X-15 rocket airplane before becoming an astronaut in 1962. Over his years of training he has flown over 200 different models of aircraft, including jets, rockets, helicopters and gliders.

In 1962 Neil Armstrong was transferred to astronaut status. He was assigned as command pilot for the Gemini 8 mission. Gemini 8 was launched on March 16, 1966, and Armstrong performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space. He then was assigned to be the spacecraft commander for Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission. It was on this mission where he received the recognition of being the first man to land a craft on the moon and was the first person to set foot on its surface.

Since then he has done various things including being a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati for 9 years. Also in 1986, he was named vice chairman of a presidential commission investigating the breakup of the space shuttle Challenger. From 1982 to 1992, Armstrong served as chairman of the board of Computing Technologies for Aviation, a company that develops software for flight scheduling. He has also won numerous awards including: a Gold Star, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the Collier Trophy from the National Aeronautics Association.



**__Sources__**

Biography of Neil Armstrong. NASA, 12 Nov. 2008. Web. 28 May 2009. <[]>

CSA Astronauts - Training, Basic Training, ISS Training []

CSA Biography - Chris Hadfield []

CSA Biography - Marc Garneau [] <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(68,68,68); font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span style="color: rgb(0,0,0);"> Freudenrich, Craig. "Life Aboard the Space Shuttle." How Stuff Works. Found: May 25, 2009 <[]>

Library and Archives Canada "Celebrating Women in Science: Roberta Bondar." October 2, 2000. Found: May 27, 2009 <<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[] ><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

NASA "Biographical Data: Julie Payette." May 2009. Found: May 27, 2009 <<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">[] ><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 70%; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> NASA "Living in Space," "Space breathing," "Space Water," "Space Food," "Space Fun," "Space Wear," "Space Work," Human Space Flight Found: May 25, 2009 <http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/living/index.html>

National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. Canadian Space Agency, 26 May 2008. Web. 25 May 2009. <[]>

Tereshkova. Encyclopedia Astronautica, 2008. Web. 26 May 2009. <[]>

Valentina Tereshkova Biography. Notable Biographies, 2007. Web. 26 May 2009. <[]>

World Book at NASA - Armstrong, Neil. NASA, 30 Nov. 2007. Web. 26 May 2009. <[]>

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