Mon, Mar 22, 2010
Former NASA Astronauts Could Work For Bigelow Aerospace
Bigelow Aerospace is seeking to
hire professional astronauts to consult on business development and
eventually fly to their the commercial space stations. The
President's 2011 budget eliminates the new Constellation space
program and makes commercial companies like Bigelow the sole
provider of transportation for US astronauts after the Space
Shuttle is retired.
Bigelow Aerospace is developing a commercial space station
complex using inflatable modules initially researched and designed
by NASA. Bigelow partnered with Boeing to win $18 million to
develop a capsule for commercial human spaceflight as a part of the
NASA Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program.
According to a release from Bigelow Aerospace, the full-time
positions require at least a four-year degree and 10-15 years of
experience. Astronauts from Russia, Europe, Japan or any
other country may apply.
File Photo: Arists' Rendition Of Bigelow Complex
The job description states: "Qualified applicants need to have
completed a training program from their government or recognized
space agency and have at least some flight experience on a
recognized space mission. Specialized training and/or experience
(ie: Medical, Payload Specialist, EVA, Pilot, etc.) is not a
prerequisite, but is definitely a plus."
Bigelow says job opportunities for the former civil servants
could include:
On the Ground
- Working with Marketing Team to secure government and cooperate
clients.
- Working with Design and Fabrication Teams to help optimize
layout of systems for on-orbit serviceability and ergonomics.
- Working with Mission Control Team on final checkout of flight
vehicles, both pre and post launch.
- Help Develop Astronaut training programs for Bigelow Aerospace
Professional Astronaut Corps as well as Client Astronaut
Corps.
- Work instructing in the Bigelow Astronaut Training Program
In Flight
- Perform as Professional Astronaut aboard Bigelow Aerospace
Station Complex
- Manage all onboard aspects of employee and customer astronaut
personal safety
- Maintain the Station Complex as required (mainly IVA, but some
EVA as well)
- Help clients with payloads or experiments(primarily with
regards to integration into station's systems and
communications)
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