How to Be Astronaut Systems Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 16, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When astronauts are in space, it is essential that their systems and equipment are running correctly. Astronaut Systems Technicians (ASTs) are responsible for verifying and maintaining all of the systems onboard the spacecraft. ASTs are highly knowledgeable and have experience in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, electronics, programming, and other technical areas.

Without ASTs, astronauts would be unable to complete their mission in space safely. The AST's duties include testing and evaluating spacecraft systems, troubleshooting any issues that may arise, making sure the systems are running optimally, and providing maintenance and repairs as necessary. ASTs also provide advice and guidance to astronauts regarding their equipment and systems.

In short, ASTs play an important role in ensuring the success of a mission in space.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require applicants for the position of Astronaut Systems Technician to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Pursue higher education in an aerospace engineering program. A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, or a related field, such as mechanical engineering, is recommended for those who wish to become an Astronaut Systems Technician.
Participate in an internship or cooperative program. This type of training provides hands-on experience and is beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in this field.
Obtain certification as an Astronaut Systems Technician. After completing the required educational and training requirements, individuals must obtain certification from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Gain experience in the field. Astronaut Systems Technicians are expected to have at least five years of experience in the field before they can be considered for advanced positions.
Maintain a current certification. To remain current, Astronaut Systems Technicians must participate in continuing education courses and attend seminars and workshops that focus on the latest advances in aerospace technology.

To stay ahead and capable as an Astronaut Systems Technician, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology, techniques, and processes in the field. Regularly attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars can help to ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest advances. reading scientific journals and publications in the field can help to keep you informed about the latest research and findings.

Keeping your skills sharp by taking additional training courses or expanding your knowledge of related areas can also be beneficial. Finally, networking with other professionals in the field can help to create opportunities to stay current on industry trends and learn from their experiences. Taking these steps will help you to remain competitive and capable in your position as an Astronaut Systems Technician.

You may want to check Astronaut Flight Safety Officer, Astronaut Test Controller, and Astronaut Test Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Astronaut Systems Technician: Responsible for operating and maintaining all spacecraft systems, including thermal, electrical, and propulsion components.
Flight Controller: Monitors and controls all aspects of space vehicle operations, including launch, trajectory, and rendezvous.
Mission Control Officer: Coordinates and directs all mission operations, communicates with crew members and other mission personnel, and monitors mission progress.
Spacecraft Systems Engineer: Develops, tests, and monitors spacecraft systems, such as communications, navigation, guidance, and propulsion.
Payload Specialist: Oversees the operation of payload experiments, instruments, and other hardware during a mission.
Astronaut Trainer: Prepares astronauts for missions by providing physical and mental training and simulations.
Spacecraft Designer: Designs and develops spacecraft systems, components, and payloads to meet mission requirements.
Space Medicine Professional: Provides medical support for astronauts during space mission operations.
Spacecraft Test Engineer: Analyzes and tests spacecraft systems to verify safety and performance requirements.
Space Launch Technician: Prepares ground-based launch systems for launching space vehicles.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of astronautical systems, processes, and procedures.
Familiarity with space station operations and maintenance.
Proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing systems malfunctions.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
Ability to install, maintain, and repair astronautical systems and components.
Ability to work in confined spaces and use specialized tools.
Knowledge of safety protocols when working in hazardous spaces.
Ability to use computer programs for data analysis, system monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks.

Being an Astronaut Systems Technician requires a wide range of skills, but the most important skill to have is excellent problem-solving abilities. Being able to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to complex technical issues is essential in order to troubleshoot and maintain the spacecraft systems. having a good understanding of physics and engineering principles is also necessary in order to ensure that the crew and spacecraft are safe, as well as operate at optimum efficiency.

Furthermore, strong communication skills are important for working alongside other astronauts, engineers, and mission control personnel. Finally, having an excellent work ethic and the ability to work long hours under pressure are also essential for successful mission completion.

Astronaut Instructor, Astronaut Flight Simulation Engineer, and Astronaut Ground Support Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with astronaut systems maintenance and repair?
Describe a complex problem you had to solve related to astronaut systems.
How do you ensure accuracy when troubleshooting astronaut systems?
What qualifications do you have for working with spacecraft systems?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with astronaut systems?
How do you stay up to date on the most recent advances related to astronaut systems?
How do you manage multiple tasks related to astronaut systems maintenance and repair?
What processes do you use to ensure quality control when working with astronaut systems?
How would you handle a situation where an astronaut system required an urgent repair?
Describe a situation in which you had to work with a team to troubleshoot an astronaut system.

Common Tools in Industry

CAD Software. Computer-aided design software used to create detailed 3D models and technical drawings (eg: AutoCAD).
Spacecraft Maintenance Toolkits. Assortment of tools used to conduct inspections, repairs, and maintenance on spacecraft (eg: NASA-certified toolkits).
Robotics Programming Software. Software used to program robots for space missions (eg: ROS for Robotics Operating System).
Mission Control Software. Software used to track, monitor, and control spacecraft activity (eg: Mission Control from Space Systems Loral).
Telemetry Monitoring Software. Software used to monitor the health of spacecraft systems and subsystems (eg: Flight Operations System from NASA).
Avionics Testing Software. Software used to test the functionality of avionic systems (eg: Avionics Test Suite from Boeing).
Spacecraft Simulation Software. Software used to simulate spacecraft operations in a virtual environment (eg: System Simulation Toolkit from Aerojet Rocketdyne).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
International Space Station (ISS) Users Group
Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF)
Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
American Astronautical Society (AAS)
American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR)
International Space University (ISU)
International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS)

We also have Astronaut Payload Specialist, Astronaut Logistics Manager, and Astronaut Safety Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Robotics. Robotics is the science, technology, and engineering of designing, building, and controlling robots, machines that are capable of performing tasks autonomously or with guidance.
Satellite Systems. Satellite Systems are complex networks of satellites that are used to provide services such as communication, navigation, broadcast, and Earth observation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science that involves the development of computer systems that can reason and learn from their environment.
Automation. Automation is the use of technology to automate tasks that would otherwise require manual labor.
Computer Programming. Computer Programming is the process of writing instructions for computers in a programming language.
Electronics. Electronics is the branch of science and technology that deals with the design and construction of electronic circuits and systems.
Systems Engineering. Systems Engineering is the practice of designing and developing complex systems by considering all aspects of the system, including its architecture, components, and interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Astronaut Systems Technician? A1: An Astronaut Systems Technician is a specialist who is responsible for monitoring, operating and maintaining the systems and equipment of human spaceflight missions. Q2: What type of training is required to become an Astronaut Systems Technician? A2: To become an Astronaut Systems Technician, an individual must complete specialized training in areas such as engineering, electronics, and avionics. Additionally, they must have an understanding of the principles and procedures of astronautics, space exploration, and orbital mechanics. Q3: What types of systems does an Astronaut Systems Technician operate and maintain? A3: An Astronaut Systems Technician is responsible for operating and maintaining onboard systems such as navigation, life support, communication, propulsion and power. They also may be responsible for performing diagnostics, repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to these systems. Q4: How many years of experience is required to become an Astronaut Systems Technician? A4: Most employers require at least five years of experience in a related field in order to become an Astronaut Systems Technician. Q5: What are the duties of an Astronaut Systems Technician? A5: The duties of an Astronaut Systems Technician include monitoring, operating, and maintaining systems and equipment on human spaceflight missions, performing diagnostics and repairs, troubleshooting malfunctions and issues, and performing maintenance and upgrades to systems. Additionally, they may be responsible for preparing reports and providing technical advice and guidance.