NASA's physical science research is organized into six disciplines – Biophysics, Combustion Science, Complex Fluids, Fluid Physics, Fundamental Physics and Materials Science.
The most common science roles at NASA are in the disciplines of general physical science, astronomy and space, and physics—we employ 15 different types of scientists who serve as experts across our varied projects and missions.
Space science is basically the study of everything related to space, including where and how life might form in places other than Earth. Physics is integral to space science, because if we don't understand how our universe works, we can't begin to explore it.
Astronauts are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, typically in a STEM subject, such as in mathematics, engineering, computer science or the physical sciences, like physics or chemistry. Most also go on to obtain a master's degree or a Ph. D.
Space physics is a blend of physics and astronomy that aims to understand the environment surrounding our planet. This includes diverse phenomena from high-energy charged particles in the plasma surrounding the Earth to the explosive release of magnetic energy from the Sun.
Space science is very often associated with physics. Physicists have been asking questions about the origins of the universe and using their specialised knowledge to make educated guesses about the past, the present and the future.
Physics is used in the design of instruments, the interpretation of the data the instruments produce, and finally in the construction of the grand theories which explain the evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe (or the earth!).
Not every STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree will qualify you to be an astronaut. NASA is looking for people with a degree in engineering, biological science, physical science (like physics, chemistry or geology), computer science or mathematics.
Educational Requirements
Both civilian and military personnel can apply to become what NASA calls astronaut candidates. All astronaut candidates must be U.S. citizens and must have bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics.
I recall reading when NASA started the astronaut program the candidates had to have an IQ of at least 130. I don't know what the current standards are but most, if not all, astronauts are either highly experienced military pilots or have an advanced degree, usually as Ph. D., in a science field.
Astrophysics is a branch of space science that applies the laws of physics and chemistry to seek to understand the universe and our place in it. The field explores topics such as the birth, life and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other objects in the universe.
Two years before, in 1995, Elon Musk was accepted to a Ph. D. program in energy physics/materials science at Stanford University but dropped out a couple of days after.
Musk has a physics degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and he enrolled in a graduate program in physics at Stanford University before dropping out early on.
Physicist Jobs at NASA
In the field of space exploration, plasma physicists are some of the most sought-after types of physicists. Plasma physicists focus their scientific inquiries on a state of matter called plasmas.
The pay grades for civilian astronaut candidates are set by federal government pay scales and vary based on academic achievements and experience. According to NASA , civilian astronaut salaries range from $104,898 to $161,141 per year.
The basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship with master's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
Australia does not currently have plans for a crewed space program. As such, astronaut roles are only available overseas. Space agencies such as NASA (USA), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), CSA (Canada) and Roscosmos (Russia) have astronaut programs. Applications only open every few years, and they are highly competitive.
Although astronomy is a sub-discipline of physics, it can also be considered 'applied physics', as it applies the scientific hypotheses and basic rules of physics to further our understanding of space.
Astronomy is considered a subfield of physics, and the coursework of a dual astronomy and physics degree reflects this with heavy emphasis on both disciplines as well as classes focused on important math concepts.
Astronomy is a mathematical discipline. Today, astronauts use arithmetic to navigate a space shuttle back to Earth for landing. To avoid collisions between fast-moving objects at a single point, which might result in harm to one another, complex mathematical calculations must be done.
Though regarded primarily as a physicist (he received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics) his researches had important implications for chemistry.
Physics and chemistry, although somewhat similar, are actually completely different. The main difference here is that physics is concerned with the study of the universe as a whole, while chemistry is the study of chemicals, chemical reactions, and individual molecules.
Like, is Elon Musk a genius? It answered, Elon Musk's IQ is reported to be 155, which is very high compared to the average of 100.