NASA Recruiting Astronauts for Moon and Mars Missions: Eligibility, Challenges and Physical Changes in Space

Colorado Springs, CO United States of America
NASA is currently recruiting astronauts for its next class, which will include missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have either a background as a pilot or have had previous careers in science, engineering or medicine. They must also pass extensive medical and psychiatric screening and additional assessments before being considered for the position.
NASA Recruiting Astronauts for Moon and Mars Missions: Eligibility, Challenges and Physical Changes in Space

NASA is currently recruiting astronauts for its next class, which will include missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. The agency has opened applications through April 2, 2024. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have either a background as a pilot or have had previous careers in science, engineering or medicine. They must also pass extensive medical and psychiatric screening and additional assessments before being considered for the position.

The job of an astronaut is not without its challenges. In addition to conducting operations in space and performing extravehicular activities around spacecraft and on planetary surfaces, they are responsible for conducting research experiments, operating as a safe member of an aircraft/spacecraft crew, performing spacecraft maintenance activities and serving as the public face of NASA providing appearances across the country and internationally.

Being in space also comes with unique physical challenges such as changes to eyesight and bone density. The food in space is often bland due to microgravity, which can make it difficult for astronauts to maintain a healthy diet. Despite these challenges, many people still dream of becoming an astronaut and contributing to the exploration of our universe.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

72%

  • Unique Points
    • NASA is recruiting astronauts for Artemis missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. Applications are open through April 2, 2024.
    • The ISS National Laboratory manages all non-NASA research on the International Space Station and is available to U.S. researchers from various organizations.
    • Analog missions like HERA and CHAPEA prepare astronauts for near-term exploration to asteroids, Mars, and the Moon.
    • Payload Design Guidelines provide best practices for designing payloads that will be successful when collaborating with NASA on space station projects.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author claims that NASA is recruiting astronauts for Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars without providing any information on when these missions will take place or if they have already been scheduled. This statement is misleading as there has been no official announcement regarding the timeline of these missions from NASA. Secondly, the article mentions that selected candidates could fly on Artemis missions but does not provide any details about what qualifications are required to be considered for such a mission or how many astronauts will be chosen. This statement is deceptive as it creates an impression that anyone can become an astronaut with NASA without providing any information on the selection process. Thirdly, the article mentions several examples of scientific applications in microgravity but does not provide any evidence to support these claims or how they are being developed and tested. This statement is misleading as it implies that these applications have been proven to be effective in space without providing any supporting data. Finally, the article mentions NASA's Technology Transfer program but does not provide any information on its success rate or impact on society. This statement is deceptive as it creates an impression that this program has had a significant positive impact on society without providing any evidence to support this claim.
    • The article mentions several examples of scientific applications in microgravity but does not provide any evidence to support these claims or how they are being developed and tested. This statement is misleading as it implies that these applications have been proven to be effective in space without providing any supporting data.
    • The author claims that NASA is recruiting astronauts for Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars but does not provide any information on when these missions will take place or if they have already been scheduled. This statement is misleading as there has been no official announcement regarding the timeline of these missions from NASA.
    • The article mentions that selected candidates could fly on Artemis missions but does not provide any details about what qualifications are required to be considered for such a mission or how many astronauts will be chosen. This statement is deceptive as it creates an impression that anyone can become an astronaut with NASA without providing any information on the selection process.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that NASA is recruiting astronauts and providing opportunities for research in space without providing any evidence or sources to support these claims. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when they describe the importance of microgravity research as a way to solve complex problems on Earth. The article also contains examples of dichotomous depictions, such as describing NASA's mission as
    • The ISS National Laboratory® is responsible for managing all non-NASA research,
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains several examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes white supremacists who celebrate a reference to racist conspiracy theories in an Artemis mission statement. This is an example of religious bias as it implies that only one religion has a monopoly on truth and morality.
    • Astronaut Recruitment We're recruiting our next class of NASA astronauts. Selected candidates could fly on Artemis missions to the Moon and, eventually, Mars. Will you be one of them? Applications are open through April 2, 2024. Apply today! about Astronaut Recruitment
      • Human Research Program (HRP) analog missions prepare us for near-term and future exploration to asteroids, Mars,
        • ISS National Laboratory (CASIS) The ISS National Lab® is responsible for managing all non-NASA research, and all investigations require the capacity to utilize microgravity for the benefit of humanity. Through the ISS National Lab, this unique space-based research platform is available to U.S. researchers from small companies, research institutions, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and others
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          The article discusses several topics related to NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) and the International Space Station (ISS), including astronaut recruitment, payload design guidelines, station researcher's guide series and open-source science. The author is an employee of NASA.
          • NASA is mentioned multiple times throughout the article as a source for information.
            • The article discusses several topics related to NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) and the International Space Station (ISS), including astronaut recruitment, payload design guidelines, station researcher's guide series and open-source science. The author is an employee of NASA.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            73%

            • Unique Points
              • , Competition is always fierce for these roles. In 2020, NASA says there were more than 12,000 applicants for 10 positions and this year is likely to be a crowded race as well.
              • The US's return to the moon is providing more exciting opportunities for astronaut missions.
            • Accuracy
              • NASA is seeking new astronaut candidates for the first time in four years.
            • Deception (50%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author states that NASA has not accepted job applications for new astronauts in four years when this is actually false. According to NASA's website, they have been accepting applications since 2017. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that competition for these roles will be fierce and exciting opportunities are available due to the US returning to the moon and shows such as For All Mankind reflecting Americans resurgent interest in space.
              • NASA is seeking new astronaut candidates for the first time in four years.
              • The success of shows such as Apple TV's For All Mankind reflects Americans resurgent interest in space.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that NASA is seeking new astronaut candidates for the first time in four years without providing any evidence or context. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the competition as 'fierce' and 'crowded', which could be seen as a form of emotional appeal to sway public opinion.
              • NASA is seeking new astronaut candidates for the first time in four years.
            • Bias (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            95%

            • Unique Points
              • NASA is looking to recruit the next class of astronauts and applications are open.
              • The ISS National Laboratory manages all non-NASA research on the International Space Station and is available to U.S. researchers from various organizations.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by presenting the manager of NASA astronaut selection as a credible source on the topic. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when they describe it as 'an exciting topic' and that people are excited about meeting their new astronauts.
              • Manager of NASA Astronaut Selection, April Jordan.
            • Bias (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            74%

            • Unique Points
              • , Nichole Ayers grew up in Colorado Springs and has always had dreams of the sky. She is an Air Force Major who graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2011.
              • , Nichole Ayers believes that flying is a team sport just as much as going to space is a team sport.
            • Accuracy
              • NASA is recruiting astronauts for Artemis missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. Applications are open through April 2, 2024.
              • The success of shows such as Apple TV's For All Mankind reflects Americans' resurgent interest in space.
            • Deception (50%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'cant wait to make you guys proud' and 'dream of being an astronaut'. This creates a false sense of excitement and achievement for Nichole Ayers when she has not yet completed her mission or even been assigned one. Secondly, the article quotes Ayers saying that people didn't just ride on the shuttle but flew it. However, this is incorrect as NASA astronauts are trained to operate spacecraft and do not simply 'ride' them like a bus. Thirdly, the author uses selective reporting by only mentioning Ayer's experience at the Air Force Academy and in the Air Force without disclosing any other relevant information such as her education or training for NASA astronaut duties. Finally, there is no evidence of science or health claims being made in this article.
              • The author selectively reports on Ayer's experience at the Air Force Academy without disclosing any other relevant information
              • The author quotes Ayers saying that people didn't just ride on the shuttle but flew it, which is incorrect
              • The author uses sensationalist language to create a false sense of excitement and achievement for Nichole Ayers
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it states that 'people didn't just ride on the shuttle, they flew it'. This is a statement made by Ayers and not supported by any evidence. Additionally, there are several instances of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as 'dreams come true', 'proud to make you guys proud', and 'contribute to human spaceflight'. The author also uses dichotomous depiction when describing Ayers' experience at the Air Force Academy, stating that she was a serious little kid who set her goals on getting into the Air Force Academy and trying to be an Air Force pilot. This creates a false sense of black and white thinking where Ayers is either extremely dedicated or not dedicated enough. Overall, while there are no formal fallacies present in this article, it contains several informal fallacies that could have been avoided.
              • As people didn't just ride on the shuttle, they flew it
              • dreams come true
              • proud to make you guys proud
              • contribute to human spaceflight
            • Bias (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              Lauren Watson has a conflict of interest on the topics of NASA astronauts and human spaceflight as she is reporting on her friend Nichole Ayers becoming a NASA astronaut. Additionally, there are no disclosures made in the article regarding any conflicts of interest.
              • Lauren Watson writes about her friend Nichole Ayers' journey to become a NASA astronaut and how proud she is of her.

              65%

              • Unique Points
                • Being an astronaut comes with unique occupational challenges such as the risk of physical changes in eyesight and brittle bones. The food in space tastes bland due to microgravity.
                • NASA opened up applications for its next class of astronauts on Tuesday, accepting 10 people from a pool of 12,000 applicants.
                • The position pays $152,000 per year and requires extensive travel including trips to the moon which is nearly 239,ooo miles away.
                • Major duties of an astronaut include conducting operations in space and performing extravehicular activities around spacecraft and on planetary surfaces. They also conduct research experiments, operate as a safe member of an aircraft/spacecraft crew, perform spacecraft maintenance activities and serve as the public face of NASA providing appearances across the country and internationally.
                • Before becoming an astronaut, one must complete two years of training which includes survival skills in Alabama backcountry.
                • NASA is setting its eyes on returning humans to the moon with a crewed lunar flyby scheduled for later this year. Future missions might establish a more permanent human presence on the moon and help prepare for an eventual crewed mission to Mars.
                • To be qualified as an astronaut, one must have either a background as a pilot or have had previous careers in science, engineering or medicine. Interviews, medical and psychiatric screening and additional assessments will be required for applicants under final consideration.
              • Accuracy
                No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
              • Deception (30%)
                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism to make space travel seem more dangerous than it actually is by exaggerating the risks of microgravity and stating that food tastes blander in space which isn't entirely true. Secondly, the author implies that being an astronaut is a dream job for everyone when in reality only a select few are qualified due to strict requirements such as having a background as a pilot or science, engineering or medicine professional. Lastly, the article uses emotional manipulation by stating that it's an exciting time to be an astronaut and implying that being part of NASA's ongoing experiment is something everyone should aspire for.
                • The author exaggerates the risks of microgravity by saying 'Being in space does things to bodily fluids that make one feel like they always have a bit of a head cold.'
                • The article implies that being an astronaut is a dream job for everyone when it states 'Thousands still look to the stars and dream of themselves among them.'
              • Fallacies (75%)
                The article contains several informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that NASA is setting its eyes on returning humans to the moon and establishing a more permanent human presence on Mars without providing any evidence or sources for this information. Additionally, the author makes use of inflammatory rhetoric when describing the challenges faced by astronauts in space such as changes in eye shape, brittle bones and atrophied muscles. The article also contains an example of a dichotomous depiction when it describes how being in space affects bodily fluids that make one feel like they always have a bit of a head cold.
                • Being an astronaut comes with unique occupational challenges.
              • Bias (80%)
                The article contains examples of bias in the form of exaggerated language and sensationalism. The author uses phrases such as 'unique occupational challenges' to describe being an astronaut, which is not accurate or fair. Additionally, the use of words like 'blander' and 'head cold' when describing space food are also biased.
                • Being an astronaut comes with unique occupational challenges.
                  • Without the force of the Earth beneath our feet, bones become more brittle and muscles atrophy. And the food, well, it sucks — by many accounts.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication