Contents So You Want to Be an Astronaut Welcome from Dr Dave 2 4 Rocks Docs and Space 6 Step 1 Develop Your Astronaut Attitude Going Up 8 No I in Team 10 Step 2 Put the Cool in School Whys and Hows What’s Next Step 3 Terrestrial Tryouts Space Agencies Want You Intergalactic Interview Free-Float Fitness 12 14 16 18 20
You Can ASCAN Super-Cool Simulators The Pool Rules Swimming with the Fish Step 4 Basic Training Astro-Class Putting the STEM in SySTEM A Need for Speed Get Your Hands on This Orbiting the Great Outdoors Calling All Astronauts Step 5 Your Mission Is Go Special Skills Patch Me In Onward and Upward Further Reading Image Credits Index 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 48 49
Welcome from Dr Dave Passion commitment persistence and optimism are all part of the astronaut attitude It’s about learning to be your best and enjoying the journey of pursuing your dreams Dr Dave Williams 2
Skydiving Exploration has always been my passion When I was seven years old I watched the first NASA astronauts fly in space and I knew I wanted to be an astronaut My journey began at age twelve when I learned to scuba dive which showed me how the body works in unique environments That led me to a career in science and medicine and eventually to becoming an astronaut It is never too early to believe in yourself push your limits and reach for your dreams Exploring scuba diving Astronaut survival training 3
