astronaut
Snapshot
Imagine pushing the boundaries of human exploration and contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries beyond Earth. As an astronaut, you'll be at the forefront of space travel, conducting vital research and operations in the challenging environment of orbit.
Astronauts are highly trained professionals who serve as crew members on spacecraft, venturing beyond low Earth orbit for extended missions. Their work involves a combination of intense physical and mental preparation, operating complex equipment, and conducting scientific research in a unique environment. Daily responsibilities can range from performing experiments and maintaining spacecraft systems to deploying satellites and contributing to the construction and upkeep of space stations. This role demands precision, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and international team.
- • Conducting scientific research and experiments in space.
- • Operating and maintaining spacecraft systems and life support equipment.
- • Deploying and retrieving satellites.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg.
Longest-running shortage: Latvia, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could astronaut fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement/Effort?
Future Outlook for astronaut
The outlook for astronaut reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could astronaut change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could astronaut change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- use different communication channels
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- operate GPS systems
- interpret visual literacy
- conduct research on climate processes
Tasks most exposed to automation
- collect geological data
- gather experimental data
- collect data using GPS
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a astronaut
09 09:00 · Morning collect geological data
10 10:30 · Mid-morning operate 3D computer graphics software
12 12:00 · Midday perform gravity measurements
14 14:00 · Afternoon use communication equipment
15 15:30 · Late afternoon collect data using GPS
17 17:00 · Wrap-up perform scientific experiments in space
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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geographic information systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
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geostationary satellites
The functioning and purpose of geostationary satellites, their movement in the same direction as rotation of the Earth, and their application for telecommunication and commercial purposes.
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global navigation satellite system performance parameters
The performance parameters for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the requirements that any GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.
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types of satellites
The different types of satellites used for communications, streaming services, surveillance, and scientific research.
- launching of satellites into orbit
- physics
- aircraft mechanics
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collect geological data
Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.
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gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
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collect data using GPS
Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
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interpret visual literacy
Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.
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interpret graphical communication interfaces
Have the capacity to understand the various shapes and representations used in the schematics and 3D isometric model presented by communication programmes.
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perform gravity measurements
Perform geophysical measurements using gravity meters which are either on the ground or airborne. Measure deviations from the normal gravity field, or anomalies, to determine the structure and composition of the earth.
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use different communication channels
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
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conduct research on climate processes
Conduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.
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use communication equipment
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
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operate GPS systems
Use GPS Systems.
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perform scientific experiments in space
Perform different kinds of experiments in various fields of science including human, biological, and physical. Follow scientific methods and document findings, aiming to achieve innovation or discover industrial and commercial applications.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
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Where does astronaut fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of physical and psychological preparation is required to become an astronaut?
- Becoming an astronaut requires rigorous training. This includes extensive physical conditioning to withstand the stresses of spaceflight, survival training in extreme environments, and psychological evaluations to ensure the ability to cope with isolation and high-pressure situations. Specific requirements vary depending on the space agency.
- Are astronauts always employed by government space agencies?
- While the vast majority of astronauts are employed by government space agencies like NASA, ESA, or Roscosmos, there's a growing trend of self-business opportunities emerging as private space exploration expands. Most astronauts begin their careers in employment, but the future may see more independent contractors involved in commercial space ventures.
- What are the key personal qualities that contribute to success as an astronaut?
- Beyond technical skills, successful astronauts demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and exceptional communication skills. A high degree of self-discipline, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also crucial.
- Astronaut — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 5 of the 9 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Finland, France and 1 more. 4 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Astronaut — what does it pay in the United States?
- $226,600 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $97,680 to $618,090. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.