What skills does a astronaut need?

A astronaut needs 18 essential skills including launching of satellites into orbit, geographic information systems, physics, global navigation satellite system performance parameters, types of satellites. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace astronaut jobs?

The AI disruption score for astronaut is 43/100 (moderate risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Engineering ServicesScience and engineering associate professionalsISCO 3153

astronaut

Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (18)

launching of satellites into orbitlaunching of satellites into orbitThe different procedures, phases, and requirements for launching satellites into orbit.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.global navigation satellite system performance parametersglobal navigation satellite system performance parametersThe performance parameters for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the requirements that any GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.types of satellitestypes of satellitesThe different types of satellites used for communications, streaming services, surveillance, and scientific research.geostationary satellitesgeostationary satellitesThe 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.perform gravity measurementsperform gravity measurementsPerform 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 composi...collect geological datacollect geological dataParticipate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.interpret visual literacyinterpret visual literacyInterpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake 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.conduct research on climate processesconduct research on climate processesConduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.use communication equipmentuse communication equipmentSet up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.operate GPS systemsoperate GPS systemsUse GPS Systems.perform scientific experiments in spaceperform scientific experiments in spacePerform 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...collect data using GPScollect data using GPSGather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.interpret graphical communication interfacesinterpret graphical communication interfacesHave the capacity to understand the various shapes and representations used in the schematics and 3D isometric model presented by communication programmes.operate 3D computer graphics softwareoperate 3D computer graphics softwareUse graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-di...

Optional (13)

aircraft mechanicsaircraft mechanicsTechnicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repais in aircrafts.fluid mechanicsfluid mechanicsThe characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.use specialised computer models for weather forecastinguse specialised computer models for weather forecastingMake short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.deal with challenging work conditionsdeal with challenging work conditionsDeal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.plan space satellite missionsplan space satellite missionsPlan missions to either launch, release, or capture satellites in orbit. Plan launch windows for each one of these activities and the steps required for a successful mission, such as preparation of la...address aircraft mechanical issuesaddress aircraft mechanical issuesIdentify and resolve mechanical issues which arise during flight. Identify malfunctions in fuel gauges, pressure indicators and other electrical, mechanical or hydraulic components.transfer oxygentransfer oxygenTransfer liquid or gaseous oxygen by opening the valves to allow the transfer through the heat exchanger to cool air and store the oxygen in tanks. This ensures the adequate temperature and pressure p...analyse weather forecastanalyse weather forecastAnalyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maint...operate gas extraction equipmentoperate gas extraction equipmentOperate the equipment used for oxygen and nitrogen extraction equipment such as compressors, fractionating columns, heat exchangers and purifying towers.research satellite launch sitesresearch satellite launch sitesResearch the suitability and adequacy of selected satellite launch sites. Analyse the launch site in relation to the purpose and requirements of the anticipated operation.test oxygen puritytest oxygen purityTest the purity and the moisture content of the processed oxygen making use of the burette moisture meter.consider time zones in execution of workconsider time zones in execution of workWork considering multiple time zones and plan activities depending on the voyage times and respective operating times of ports around the world.