How to Introduce Kids to Careers in Space: What does an Astronaut do?

Space is a big and fantastic frontier, but it's not only for grown-ups. Even kids can dream about and choose space as a career. One cool career in space is that of an astronaut. But what does an astronaut do, and how can kids get their minds set on pursuing a career in space? Let's explore the magic of careers in space and plunge into the fascinating world of astronauts!

What are Astronauts?

Before delving into the details of what an astronaut does, it would be good to explain what an "astronaut" is. The word "astronaut" is derived from the Greek words "astro," meaning star, and "nautes," meaning sailor. An astronaut can be said to be a "star sailor" in the universe. But what does an astronaut do in space? Let's break it down!

The Exciting Life of an Astronaut

It has got to be one of the coolest jobs on Earth: astronauts fly off into space and get involved in amazing missions, conducting experiments, repairing spacecraft, and opening up new territories. Let us take a closer look at some of the key tasks carried out by astronauts: 

1. Training, Training, and More Training

Even before reaching the vastness of space, they spent years in mission training. Training will always be an integral part of a space career. Biologically, hard training is done for them to deal with the challenges awaiting them. They are trained on simulators of space environments and taught to control spacecraft; they even go underwater to create the zero-gravity effect of space.

2. Exploring Space

Second, by going into space, astronauts are afforded the great opportunity to understand and explore the cosmos. They will be living and working in numerous space stations, such as the ISS, where experiments cannot be done on Earth. Most of these could help scientists know more about the universe and help make life better here on Earth.

3. Carrying out Scientific Experiments

The astronauts in space undertake several scientific experiments: plant growth, the effect of microgravity on the human body, and the testing of new technologies. In turn, all such experiments increase our knowledge about space and improve our technology.

4. Repairing Spacecraft and Equipment

This includes the maintenance of spacecraft and equipment. There is also training that enables the astronauts to undertake tasks or repairs whenever there are issues that crop up during the flight of the shuttle. These could include fixing a part of the shuttle to even spacewalks to repair machinery on the outside of the station.

5. Cooperation with Other Space Agencies

Many astronauts work with other teams from various space agencies around the world. But to tell you the truth, collaboration is a must in every space mission, because different countries have different strong suits or technologies. So, many countries need to work with each other for exploration in space to be better and more efficient.

Why Are Space Careers So Cool?

There are things that space careers can offer that many careers cannot give. Here are some of the reasons why kids think space careers are cool: 

1. Discovering New Things

Space is full of mysteries that are yet to be unfolded. Be it the study and discovery of new planets, understanding the behavior of stars, or even learning about the origin of the universe, space careers are basically all about exploration and discovery of new findings. 

2. Being Part of a Team 

Astronauts and other space professionals often work in teams, both on Earth and in space. Being part of such a team working towards a common goal is normally quite rewarding.

3. Creative Problem Solving

Space missions require creative ideas and solutions. Many times, astronauts and other space professionals need to find some unlikely way to get through an issue.

4. Inspiring the Next Generation

Professions involving space may well boost the motivation of kids to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math. Kids will be fascinated to learn about new worlds.

How to Pursue a Career in Space?

When you're young and want to be an astronaut when you grow older, then understand that you can right away get ready for such a fabulous future. Here are those things you can do to start training on the way of an astronaut or any other job related to space: 

1. Learn About Space

Learn all you can about space: read books, watch documentaries, and stay in touch with space news. There are loads of fun and instructive resources about space for kids.

2. Study Science and Math

A firm foundation in the fields of both science and mathematics is very important in the space career. Take up subjects like physics, chemistry, and algebra. The more you understand these concepts, the better prepared you will be for a career in space.

3. Engage in Activities related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Join clubs of sciences, robotics teams, or other activities relevant to the field of STEM. Such experiences may help you develop some of the key interests and skills necessary in the pursuit of careers in space.

4. Visiting Space Centers and Museums

If possible, try visiting space centers and museums. Most of them have interactive exhibits and learning programs about space and space careers.

5. Dream Big and Stay Curious

Let your curiosity be alive and never let big dreams die. The art of space exploration is very dynamic and hence opens up new avenues very often. Being curious and motivated will keep driving you toward your goals.

Famous Astronauts and Their Achievements

Let us draw inspiration from some famous astronauts and their super-impossible achievements:

1. Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong became the first man to have walked on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. His historic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," are still fresh in the minds of people across the world.

2. Sally Ride 

Sally Ride was the first American female to go on a space trip. In 1983, she flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger and inspired scores of young women into science and engineering.

3. Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma was the first astronaut from India to visit space. He flew in the Soviet spacecraft “Soyuz T-11” in the year 1984. His mission lasted for 7 days and 21 hours. During his stay, he also conducted some scientific experiments in Space/

4. Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was the first lady of Indian origin to visit space. In her short career, she had traveled twice to space.in the year 1997 and 2003. Unfortunately, the return journey of her second mission turned tragic and she lost her life. She has been a huge inspiration for young generation astronauts.

5. Sunita Williams

Sunita Williams is yet another astronaut of Indian descent who is a great inspiration to many. In her multiple missions, she has spent over 322 days in space. She participated in the Boston Marathon from space and is the first person to run a Marathon from space in a Treadmill..

Careers in Space

Space careers have a very bright future. Further technological advancement and new upcoming missions guarantee even more opportunities for aspiring astronauts and other professionals related to space. Many companies are making new spacecraft, exploring Mars, and even considering mission planning on the Moon and beyond. The possibilities that exist are just limitless!

Space Tourism

But one of the wonders developing in space tourism, may not be that far in the future. Perhaps this could open up even more career opportunities in this field.

International Collaboration

Now more than at any other time, the space effort between various countries' space agencies is more in collaboration. This helps in sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise which makes the exploration of space an international affair.

New Technologies

New ways of exploring space depend on the latest advances in technology. From robotic missions to new types of spacecraft, as technology keeps changing, so too will the careers in space. 

Conclusion

The careers in space, especially those dealing with astronauts, are some of the coolest and most rewarding jobs there are. Understanding what it means to be an astronaut and what they do might set kids up for a bright future among the stars. From studying up on science and math to getting into various after-school STEM activities, or just staying curious, several ways exist through which kids can get ready for space careers.

Let me remind you, the very instant one chooses to be an astronaut or enters space, much dedication is involved. But with the proper approach and strategy, such a dream to work in space can be fulfilled. So keep your eyes up, remain inquisitive, and never know-you may well be the next to write history among the stars!

FAQs

What does an astronaut do in space?

Astronauts conduct some experiments, explore space, and look after their spacecraft.

How do you introduce them to space?

By showing them some cool videos about space, taking them to the planetarium, and reading them books on space in a fun way.

Why do astronauts work in space?

Some of the reasons why astronauts work in space include conducting of scientific experiments, fixing some equipment, and exploring the environment of space.

Why is space interesting to kids?

The mysteries and adventures include seeing Earth from above and discovering new planets.

We hope you enjoyed reading the above article. Please do not forget to share this blog with your friends and community members to spread awareness of "Space Career” and “The Meaning of Astronauts”

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