WEEKLY QUIZ - 24 July 2025

by Fiona

So You Wanna Be an Astronaut? Here's What It Really Takes🚀

Let’s be honest—we’ve all, at some point, stared up at the night sky and wondered what it would be like to float among the stars. Maybe you saw a rocket launch as a kid or got inspired by a movie like Star Trek or Interstellar. Whatever sparked your interest, becoming an astronaut is one of the most awe-inspiring (and downright tough) jobs on—and off—Earth.

Step One: Be Ridiculously Qualified

Astronauts come from all over the world now, but one thing’s universal: they’re incredibly accomplished. Most start with a degree in engineering, physical science, math, biological science, or computer science. Then, tack on years of high-level experience or flying time in jet aircraft—and that’s just the starting line.
NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) both have strict physical and psychological requirements. You'll need sharp vision, great health, and the mental resilience to handle isolation, pressure, and zero-gravity plumbing (no one said it was glamorous!).

Step Two: Train Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Might)

Once you make it through the insanely competitive application process (NASA’s 2017 class had over 18,000 applicants and picked just 12 people, ESA’s 2022 astronaut class had over 22,000 applicants!), training begins. That means everything from language lessons (for working aboard the International Space Station) to survival training in case your capsule lands off-course. You’ll learn how to fix complex equipment, perform spacewalks, and even practice operating spacecraft—while underwater!

Meet the Legends 🧑‍🚀🌟

Let’s talk about some famous trailblazers who made it to space and into the history books:

  • Neil Armstrong: The first human to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. His iconic words—“That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind”.
  • Buzz Aldrin: Followed Armstrong onto the lunar surface, and later became a strong advocate for Mars exploration. Also, let's be real—he has one of the coolest names ever.
  • Yuri Gagarin: A Russian cosmonaut, he was the first human in space in 1961. He orbited Earth once and came back down a global superstar.
  • Sally Ride: America’s first woman in space, flying aboard Challenger in 1983. She inspired generations of girls to pursue science and space careers.
  • Mae Jemison: The first African-American woman in space. She flew aboard the Endeavour in 1992 and brought a new level of representation to the astronaut corps. (She’s also been on Star Trek)
  • Tim Peake (UK): The first official British ESA astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Known for his engaging public outreach (and for running the London Marathon in space—yes, really).

And most recently…

🌍 Meet the World’s First Astronaut With a Disability: John McFall

In a major step toward inclusion in space, ESA made headlines by selecting John McFall in 2022 as the world’s first “parastronaut.” A former Paralympic sprinter and trauma surgeon from the UK, McFall lost his leg in a motorcycle accident as a teen. ESA is studying the barriers people with disabilities face in spaceflight and actively working to remove them. McFall hasn’t flown to space yet, but his selection signals a powerful message: Space is getting more inclusive, more global, and more exciting than ever. So whether you’re a budding astrophysicist, a curious kid, or someone who’s never stopped looking up—you might just be the next one to reach for the stars.

Why Do They Go?

Some astronauts are drawn by science, some by adventure, and some by the dream of seeing Earth from above—a fragile blue marble in the vast black sea. Whatever the reason, they all share one thing: a commitment to pushing boundaries for the benefit of us all.

🚀 Space Quiz Time!

Q - The term “astronaut” comes from a combination of Greek words.
Which of the following do you think is the meaning of the word “astronaut” as translated from Greek?

A. Space Explorer
B. Cosmos Traveller
C. Galaxy Voyager
D. Star Sailor

Take your best guess, and let us know what you think!

The first 10 correct answers sent to support@underluckystars.com will get a FREE Digital Star Map