There are three types of astronauts: Pilot Astronauts, Mission Specialists, and Payload Specialists. Pilot astronauts are either mission commanders or pilot of the space craft. To be a pilot astronaut, you have to be an United States citizen, have at least a bachelors degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or biology, and have logged one thousand hours of flying time in a jet aircraft. There are also strict physical fitness requirements. A mission specialist works with the commander and pilot, helping with shuttle operations such as monitoring the crew's use of fuel, water and food, conducting experiments and participating in space walks. A mission specialist must be a United States citizen, and have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or biology, and have three years of related professional experience. The third type of astronaut is the payload specialist. These astronauts are not official members of the astronaut corps. They are professionals in physics or biology and skilled in working shuttle equipment.
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