Originally Posted by
navigatro
Not sure about TPS, but I do know that Guard/Reservists can get into NASA's astronaut program. There was a Texas ANG F-16 guy that went on a shuttle mission several years ago.
For NASA you need a certain number of hours in tactical jets (supersonic-capable maybe?). Reserve/Guard flying would count. However the vast majority of pilot astronauts are also military TPS grads too.
But post-shuttle it looks like there will be less emphasis on actually piloting skills, and more on diverse technical backgrounds. I think going forward the traditional mission specialist track will be the selection ticket...ie advanced degrees, relevant technical work experience, and all-around great guy/girl. Being a poop-hot fighter pilot will no longer be enough, you'll need the academic credentials too. They will probably still take some military diver types for EVA work.