Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Working Life

Astronauts are trained to fly or be crew members on spacecraft. As an astronaut your duties would normally be split into two areas: maintenance and repair of the spacecraft and scientific experimentation and research. Astronauts need to maintain the spacecraft and make sure that the environment onboard supports life. Work would include repairing, maintaining and testing oxygen production systems cleaning and testing air filters as well as maintaining water systems and testing for bacterial growth. 

Work could also involve carrying out scientific experiments in space. This includes experiments designed to look at the effects of weightlessness on the body, or to explore how low gravity or ‘microgravity’ affects different processes. Astronauts would set up and monitor experiments on the spacecraft such as growing ice crystals or developing space robotics. Communicating with Earth via satellite to transfer data back and send reports would also be required. 

As well as carrying out research and maintenance some of your time in outer space would be taken up with normal everyday things like sleeping, eating and washing, which can be challenging in a low gravity environment.

Employment opportunities can be found with the European Space Agency. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
• Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
• Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
• Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
• Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
• Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
• Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
• Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
• Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.

Further Information

• Astronaut - Video (Part 1)- from: YouTube
• Astronaut - Video (Part 2)- from: YouTube
• Astronaut - Video (Part 3)- from: YouTube

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Astronauts must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. An advanced degree is also desirable.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and US Space Agency, NASA also require candidates to pass a strict physical exam and undergo training for the conditions and environments astronauts will encounter during launch, in space, and during landing. 

Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree from a recognised academic institution in, natural sciences (including physical sciences; earth, atmosphere or ocean sciences; biological sciences), medicine, engineering or mathematics/computer sciences, with at least three years of professional experience after graduation. This could include working in a lab, conducting research in the field or working in a hospital. A PhD or equivalent degree, or additional master’s degrees in the aforementioned subject areas, are considered an asset.

A degree in Experimental Test Pilot and/or Test Engineer from an official experimental test pilot school is also accepted. These institutions include EPNER (France), ETPS (England), USAF TPS (US Air Force) and USNTPS (US Navy). Commercial school NTPS is also included here. Candidates with these qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be asked to provide a copy of their diploma or statement from their school regarding the level of the qualification ESA Application criteria.

International space agencies

NASA Astronaut Criteria

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable. Quality of academic preparation is important.
2. At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Flight test experience is highly desirable.
3. Ability to pass a NASA space physical which is similar to a military or civilian flight physical and includes the following specific standards:

• Distant visual acuity: 20/100 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 each eye.
• Blood pressure: 140/90 measured in a sitting position.
• Height between 62 and 75 inches.

The latest NASA recruitment round requires candidates to have at least three years of related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.  For more information about a career as a NASA astronaut, and application requirements, see NASA Space Missions.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €75k - €107k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Astronauts are paid between the A2 and A4 scales set by the Coordinated Organisations, a group of European intergovernmental groups.

While ESA’s website does not specify the salaries for astronauts beyond the grade, another Coordinated Organisation – called the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation – lists the annual A2 salary as €75,018 and the A4 salary as €107,569. ESA Careers. 

Data Source(s):
ESA Careers

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• European Space Education Resource Office Ireland (ESERO)

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 607 3200
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• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
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• Irish Aviation Authority

  • The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2
  • +353 1 603 1100
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