The word “Astronaut” means “Sailor among the stars.” There are 2 main types of Astronauts: Mission Specialist Astronauts and Pilot astronauts. Mission Specialist Astronauts conduct experiments, do spacewalks to maintain the ISS and are educators and help guide students who want to be astronauts. Pilots are the commanders of the crew and are the pilots of the shuttles and the International Space Station. Astronauts go through a ton of training. They learn about space in classes, do simulators, and simulate microgravity in a huge underwater pool(13,8).
Space Biologists try to figure out how the human body reacts and functions in space. They also work with plants, animals, and microbes. This knowledge helps figure out how living things rely on gravity. Scientists need to know this information because it is important for future and longer journeys and the possibility of living in space(9).
Satellite Technicians deal with satellite technology. They deal with the programs on satellites like upgrades. They also use strong communication skills to handle all problems with the consumer(10).
Meteorologists deal with the atmosphere, and more specifically, weather. They use known cloud formations and other astronomical knowledge to make predictions(11).
Aerospace engineers use new materials and create new technologies to try and create things that improve society. In the space program, aerospace engineers test prototypes and design components for the spaceships. They create designs considering the elements needed for the mission- like space for a crew if the flight is maned. They also write and design tests for the machines(7).