Dear Space Sister:
Astronauts come from a variety of backgrounds. But they have some qualifications in common. They are all extra-ordinary individuals: academically brilliant, physically in superb condition, highly motivated, risk takers, effective leaders and communicators, and so on.
India has yet to launch a manned space flight. Indian astronauts have participated in manned programs of Russia (and former Soviet Union) and the US. You can obtain details information on what NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration) of the US requires of the candidates for the astronaut programs by visiting:
Astronauts Wanted, Travel Required.
One can also learn from "how they did it." The story of Kalpana Chawla in
Karnal to Cape Canaveral also offers insights into how she did it. You can also find a number of useful websites for
Astronaut Wannabe's. NASA offers student programs for a number of countries; see
Trip Fuels Pupil's Space Dream. You may also wish to visit the official website of
India Space Program.
Dear Mentor:
