It’s only a tiny move for Japan; however, it’s a massive opportunity for aspiring astronauts: Japan is seeking astronauts for the very first time in 13 years. Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree in science.
According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), females should think about applying too for the position as all seven current Japanese astronauts are males. Successful applicants will undergo training and then sent on mission perhaps to the moon and, for example, the Lunar Gateway or the International Space Station.
“We would like to develop a (recruiting) process that is compatible with the current times,” JAXA’s Kazuyoshi Kawasaki spoke at a press conference. “Previously, we restricted applicants to those who had the degree of a natural scientist. However, many of us decided to eliminate this condition.”
But, the exams written will comprise university-level questions about engineering, science, technology, and math, as well as the candidates’ English ability also tested.
JAXA announced it will be accepting applications from December 20 to March 4, which is the first time for new astronauts in the last 13 years. This time they’re looking for “a handful of” astronauts with at minimum three years of work experience.
The great thing about this vacancy is that they are accepting individuals of all ages and gender. Also, don’t fret if you’re smaller in height because they have also decreased the height restrictions to 149.5 centimeters (4.9 inches).
Recently, Akihiko Hoshide, one of the 7 Japanese astronauts, participated in SpaceX’s flight to the ISS and returned home to Earth about two weeks ago.
Source: JapanToday
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