Becoming an Astronaut: Options for British Citizens

Discovering your dreams of becoming an astronaut can be a thrilling yet challenging journey, especially if you are a British citizen. While nationality can play a role, it is not necessarily a significant barrier to achieving this goal. This article will explore the various pathways for British citizens to pursue a career in the space industry, focusing on the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA affiliations. We will also address the complexities associated with working with SpaceX, a non-national security-restricted avenue.

Pathways for British Astronauts

There are primarily two main pathways for British citizens to become astronauts:

Path 1: Emigrate and Apply to NASA

For centuries, the United States has been a gateway for many to pursue their dreams of space exploration, including British citizens. The most direct route involves becoming a U.S. citizen and subsequently applying to NASA. Historically, several Brits with dual US citizenship have succeeded in being selected by NASA. The process typically involves:

Emigrating to the U.S. Securing an occupation in the aerospace industry, often related to spaceflight operations, such as engineering or astronaut training. Establishing a career and community within the NASA environment. Regularly applying during astronaut selection rounds until selected.

Notable examples include Michael Foale, Piers Sellers, and Nicholas Patrick, who followed similar paths by moving to America and focusing on careers in rocketry and space operations.

Path 2: Apply to ESA Directly

Alternatively, British citizens can apply to become ESA astronauts. This route requires a bit more persistence and planning but offers a direct path to the International Space Station (ISS). Key steps include:

Completing the necessary educational requirements, such as a degree in a relevant field such as aviation, engineering, or mathematics. Acquiring experience, either through military aviation or a full-time job in the aerospace industry. Securing a role where you can establish a network within ESA or related organizations. Submitting an application during ESA's astronaut selection rounds.

Tim Peake, a well-known ESA astronaut, provides a prime example. He completed his degree, gained experience as a test pilot, and eventually was selected through ESA's astronaut program.

Challenges and Partnerships

Recent developments bring new considerations to the table. The European Space Agency has recently increased its budget contributions to the human spaceflight program, which has opened up new opportunities for British citizens. Additionally, the emerging partnership between ESA and NASA, as evidenced by the planned launches of SpaceX's crewed capsules, opens even more doors to space exploration for British astronauts.

Working with SpaceX

While SpaceX generally requires U.S. citizenship for its astronaut programs due to national security concerns, there is a pathway for British citizens through ESA. ESA is likely to work alongside SpaceX to provide crew seats for its flights to the ISS, ensuring that British citizens can still participate in space missions. Therefore, British citizens might become astronauts through ESA, even when working with SpaceX capsules.

Additional Path: Paying for It

While the traditional pathways are challenging, there are unique options for those willing to pay for their spaceflight experience. Helen Sharman visited the Russian space station Mir as a paying customer, securing her spaceflight through a combination of personal effort and external funding. Similarly, Sarah Brightman’s planned trip to the International Space Station (ISS) as a tourist exemplifies how paying customers can enter the space industry, although these options are less common and more financially demanding.

In conclusion, becoming an astronaut as a British citizen is a possibility, but it requires careful planning, persistence, and sometimes a bit of luck. Whether through NASA, ESA, or even paying for your spaceflight, the journey towards the stars is possible for those with the right qualifications and motivation.