The School Days of Gimmick: An Astronaut-Test Quiz 👩‍🚀 🚀 💫

Its another entry in The Great Galactic Space Gimmick column The School Days of Gimmick!

I just took a small quiz that I saw posted on Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins’ latest FB post. If it’s totally accurate, it’s very interesting what NASA is looking for right now in astronaut applicants to the program. It’s available here (NOTE: You need to CLICK the image below):

Some comments I have for those that would like to see if they have been “aptitude“ or “ability“. You don’t have to already be at “optimal” level.

Something I noticed about former astronauts like Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and others is this. They are lifelong learners. They have state physically and mentally active even into advancing years. Health permitting, they have or never quit. Is this type of drive and dedication that makes the best astronaut or Space Program member (eg Engineer, Scientist, Operations, etc.).

And things are rapidly changing. We now see people that never would’ve been considered before getting their chance. Does a person need 3 PhD’s, be less than 30 years old, a triathlete, or a military academy Summa Cum Laude to ride a bike? Perhaps to get into an exclusive service to have the privilege to get to Space . . . for now (and this does have its place so don’t get me wrong). But it’s Space Program participants like myself and others that are working change this.

Right now, we see major players in both established companies and upstart (and even crowdfunding) that are working on this, namely civilian tourist astronauts now only limited by large ticket prices and specialized training (for now). But in the long run, its not going to be just the playground of billionaires or multi-PhD earners with IQ’s that could rival Sheldon Cooper (on CBS’s) Big Bang Theory). As valid and placeworthy as they are, Space Travel and use belongs to all.

So if you take this Astronaut Test, and it looks like “you don’t have what it takes“, don’t let that stop you if you WANT to do this. Don’t let words of other (doubting) individuals try to stop you and pull you down. Do as much as you possibly can and keep pushing. Some of the best most revolutionary ideas came from passionate and devoted individuals in ways that confounded those that are considered exclusive experts. Maybe it’s your fresh view on things that can change the world and change our journey to the stars.

Here at The Great Galactic Space Gimmick, I’ve compiled some articles on the subject. Some are industry wide and some are personal testimony. Not all may be relevant but if you want to be in the Space Program, ask yourself what measures YOU SPECIFICALLY need to take. If it’s more education, definitely go that route. It’s NEVER too late.

Feel free to read and consider for yourself (NOTE: Click the images for the articles):

Comments From Gimmick Command: Who Controls Your Career Passion? From 2017.

Comments From Gimmick Command: Cookie Cutters & The Box from 2018.

Comments Fom Gimmick Command: This Is Just The Beginning from 2019.

Gimmick Reflections: Recipe for Space Science Success from 2019.

For The Great Galactic Space Gimmick, I’m Gimmick Commander Ben Faltinowski. 🚀🇺🇸👍

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