What it takes to be an astronaut nowadays: 5 things candidates need to have

NASA is looking to recruit new astronauts who want to head to the Moon and Mars.

But what it islooking for is a moving target, according to a former astronaut-candidate with the Canadian Space Agency.

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Geoff Steeves, associate professor with theUniversity of Victoria and instructor at the International Space University shares his thoughts on what it takes to make it into space these days.

Ability to hang out in space for a long time

The missions have a lot more to do with human physiology than ever before. They are more about how the human body can adapt to and deal with the effects of a long-term stay in space such as how to mitigate bone loss. NASA islooking for people who can deal with these physical challenges.

Ability to get along with others for a long time

Today's missions are no longer just a few weeks long, but can go on for months. It is important that astronauts get along with others in a confined space for that long. NASA is looking for people who, in a stressful situation, not only have the ability to do damage control but to also be on the lookout for how other astronautsare doing.

Ability to deal with emergencies on your own

In an emergency, or onlonger missions,there maybecommunications delays. Astronauts need to be quick on their feet and be able to fix problems on their own.

Basic knowledge of mechanics

The astronauts of today and tomorrow need to be able to have basic mechanical skills and the physical abilityto carry themout. Steeves says these days many young people grow up being experts at the technology in front of them, but aren't able to fix a leaky faucet or their car. In space, astronauts need to be able fix anything that goes awry.

Know how to take stuff apart and put it together

Steeves calls it the "maker movement." He hypothesises the next generation of astronauts will need to learn how to use 3D printers and disassemble and reassemble things if astronauts land on Mars. He says there already is a 3D printer on the space station, next could be printing 3D structures for or onMars.

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelledWhat it takes to be an astronaut nowadays onCBC's On The Island.