NASA To Enlist Retired Astronauts As Guides For Private ISS Trips

Dreaming up a life after retiring as a NASA astronaut seems pretty cushy. But it may not remain so for much longer, with the agency recently announcing former staff will be required to serve as mission commanders on private flights to the International Space Station (ISS). 

As of now, finer details of the policy has yet to be confirmed, though it’s unsurprising that with the increasing number of private space tourists looking to hop onboard the ISS, seasoned professionals will have to guide them on these trips into orbit. 

The notice said retired astronauts will be expected to provide “experienced guidance for the private astronauts during pre-flight preparation through mission execution,” which could mean they’ll have to be present throughout the entire process from training to physically accompanying tourists on the space station. 

Additionally, new rules are being set in place for those eager to travel into space, including new medical standards that have to be adhered to, greater lead time required for research projects, and additional time needed for private astronauts to adjust to microgravity in orbit. 

NASA said the updates were made based on “lessons learned” upon the completion of the first private astronaut mission, which took place last April when the Axiom Space flight took passengers up to the ISS. 

Engadget pointed out that the feedback post-mission was that the two-week roundtrip had proven too hectic for both the tourists and the ISS crew, as reported in interviews conducted with the astronauts. 

With there currently being over 200 living retired NASA astronauts, it still remains to be seen how many will volunteer for a trip back to space—or if they’re fit enough to do so. The agency is no doubt aware these kinks still have to be ironed out, noting that specific details will be revealed in future documentations. 

[via Engadget and NASA, cover image via Archangel80889 | Dreamstime.com]