At the end of May 2024, EUROAVIA Munich had the honour of hosting German reserve astronaut Nicola Winter at the Technical University of Munich. Nicola, a former fighter pilot, aerospace engineer, Ph.D. candidate, and reserve astronaut, shared her experience of the journey from applying to the final selection process of becoming an astronaut with a group of young, motivated students who dream of one day becoming astronauts themselves.
There is no definitive guide on how to become an astronaut, but at the very least, a master’s degree is typically required. The process starts with overcoming the application algorithm, followed by physical, psychological, and resilience tests, and culminating in a face-to-face interview with ESA officials. An astronaut must first and foremost be an excellent scientist. The job involves conducting research on various interdisciplinary topics with no predetermined solutions. This means that while previous job specialization can be beneficial, it is not crucial for the role of an astronaut. These individuals are exposed to extreme conditions, so it is advantageous if they have previously undertaken challenging and adventurous activities on Earth, such as camping or expeditions, as these prepare them for difficult and extreme situations.
Beyond experiments and research, astronauts also handle everyday tasks similar to those humans do on Earth. This can include sorting items in storage or maintaining and cleaning equipment to ensure it remains in good condition. However, the primary and most important task for astronauts is to remain calm and clear-headed, even in dangerous situations. The key message is: Have fun in life! Don’t make it your life goal to become an astronaut. Instead, aim to love and enjoy whatever you do, and perhaps one day, you might apply to become an astronaut.
EUROAVIA Munich extends heartfelt thanks to Nicola Winter for her time and energy in delivering this inspiring lecture!
AS Munich