Today is the day!

Fly NASA Guest Blogger: Astronaut Selection and Training Manager Duane Ross 

Today is the day!

 

The opening of the astronaut application window is always one of my favorite days. I have served as the Manager of the Astronaut Selection Office for more than many years, and it continues to be a great job.

 

Throughout the year, I am contacted frequently by young hopefuls wanting to learn more about what it takes to become an astronaut. What type of school should they go to? What topics should they study? What will set them apart from the other aspiring applicants? Etc., etc.  Of course, over the years, my answers have remained the same. They should follow their own passion and aptitude and their character and accomplishments will speak for themselves.


2009 astronaut candidates Mark T. Vende Hei(left) and Jeanette J. Epps practice various fire-starting techniques during analmost week-long land survival training course in the wilderness of westernMaine. Looking on are Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut candidateTakuya Onishi and Duane Ross (partially obscured) manager of astronautcandidate selection and training.

It is always so humbling to represent this office and the amazing team it represents. Not only do I get to meet, work and train the astronauts of tomorrow, but I meet hundreds of truly amazing Americans. The best of the best as they say – by the hundreds. I’ve met soldiers from the military who have done things I can barely fathom. I’ve met scientists working in cutting edge fields of medicine and discovery. I’ve talked with engineers who have worked on projects and technologies that were barely conceived of when I started working at NASA. Teachers, doctors, even a veterinarian. We have a wide, wide variety of people and backgrounds that make up the astronaut office. It’s what makes our astronaut corps so great!

 

I hope you will explore our Web site and see if you have what it takes to be one of our country’s great explorers! Or maybe you know someone who does!

 

Check it out!  Fly NASA!

 

Duane Ross

NASA’s Astronaut Selection Office

2 thoughts on “Today is the day!”

  1. Sir,I am very interested Astronaut training and Nasa permanent job.Job announcement number-JS12A0001,Control number-302967000,I am allready started Space/Geo science Nasa Post Doctoral Education Program 2011.Please active my resume for Astronaut training and Job.Address-Dr.Azazshahid firozahmed mistry.Ranitalao bharbhandwad.12/2921-22.mistry-mantion.Surat.pin-395003.Gujarat.INDIA.Cell fone++91-9913166792.

  2. Hello there, I am here to be one of the top elite prospects for Astronaut training. I have studied world history that has influenced our way of thinking to this time. Mrs. Ross I have read carefully the detail of the matter when it comes to be an Explorer. This will not only be my duty, but a way to condense all information to convey our reality here on earth.
    When I saw the window of opportunity here with NASA, I simply could not believe my eyes. I know what it takes to be in a position where everyone relies on you. I have been here on earth as an explorer my self, and it has taught me that no matter where you are in life there is a oneness connection that unifies us together. I have trained my self to its maximal capacity to understand many variables/levels of consciousness.

    Religion has played a big role in my life that has pushed me to the person I am now.

    When I look up at the stars they say to me, that I should learn and grasp a deeper understanding of who we are. The constellations that uniform themselves in perfect unity. The sun takes charge to shed its light on us.

    I believe this is were I belong-NASA need’s and explorer like I.
    I was born August 23, 1987 on the constellation of Virgo.
    I have been physically active for 16 years of constant movement.

    I am a student and have attained my Associates in Liberal Arts.
    I am currently studying medicine and the important functions of the human body. There is important knowledge out there and I believe you have the right to know it.

    Please contact me; my email is up above.
    Thank you for your time,

    “Skill never took place, but creativity that crafted it together”
    -Anonymous

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