Army MOS · Aviation
40C Army Astronaut
Overview
Army astronauts perform spaceflight duties for NASA and train for space shuttle and International Space Station assembly and flight operations. They develop, integrate, and implement crewed spaceflight hardware and software, support ongoing missions, and represent NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Army at meetings and public appearances.
Core Skills
- systems engineering concepts
- requirements analysis and traceability
- hardware and software integration
- test planning and execution
- configuration management
- technical documentation
- mission operations planning
- real-time operations monitoring
- data analysis and anomaly resolution
- training and procedure development
Civilian Software & Tools
- R
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- AeroPlanner
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Administration
- Project Management
- Aviation Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Career Growth
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- ACE Safety Management Systems (SMS) Certification
What the Work Involves
- 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.
Related Occupations
- Commercial Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Aircraft Service Attendants
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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