Imagine what it would feel like to be weightless. You would float through the air, bouncing off the walls and ceiling. If you were outside, you’d have to grab onto something to keep from flying into the sky.
This doesn’t happen to us in everyday life, because the pull of the Earth’s gravity keeps us anchored to the planet.
Learning to handle weightlessness is only part of an astronaut’s training. You have to meet many requirements to become an astronaut. You need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics, plus three years of professional experience in your field. A spacecraft pilot must be between 5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 3 inches. You also have to pass a strict physical exam, and have at least 1,000 hours of flying time.