---
name: astronaut
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'astronaut' (also: scientific cosmonaut, spacecraft pilot, science officer, shuttle commander, spacecraft crew member, pilot astronaut). Use when the user asks for typical astronaut work such as: typical astronaut responsibilities"
---

# Astronaut

Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.

## Core workflow


## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- collect data using GPS
- collect geological data
- conduct research on climate processes
- gather experimental data
- geographic information systems
- geostationary satellites
- global navigation satellite system performance parameters
- interpret graphical communication interfaces
- interpret visual literacy
- launching of satellites into orbit
- operate 3D computer graphics software
- operate GPS systems
- perform gravity measurements
- perform scientific experiments in space
- physics

## Hot technologies

- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- R

---
*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/d4edb527-2e5d-440c-9f8c-cd5caa9cc4d6), O*NET 30.3 (53-2011.00, manual nearest match). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*