Most space agencies have very similar criteria for selection of potential astronauts. This is particularly the case for the anthropometrics (the physical measurement of a person’s size), given the international parameters for spacecraft. This is generally accepted to be between 50 - 95 kg body mass (weight), and 149.50 - 190.5 cm standing stature (height). Any small differences are shown below for height and weight, plus any additional requirements.

‍

Height

  • China: China National Space Administration (CNSA) - Between 160 and 172 cm
  • Canada: Canadian Space Agency (CSA) - Between 149.5 and 190.5 cm
  • United States of America (USA): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Between 158 and 190.5 cm
  • Russia: ROSCOSMOS - Between 150 and 190 cm
  • Countries that are ESA Member States and Associate Members: European Space Agency (ESA) - Between 150 and 190 cm
  • Japan: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Between 158 and 190 cm

‍

Weight

  • China: China National Space Administration (CNSA) - Between 50 and 70 kg
  • Canada: Canadian Space Agency (CSA) - Between 50 and 95 kg
  • United States of America (USA): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Between 50 and 95 kg
  • Russia: ROSCOSMOS - Between 50 and 90 kg
  • Countries that are ESA Member States and Associate Members: European Space Agency (ESA) - 'Normal weight' (see additional requirements for more information)
  • Japan: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Between 50 and 95 kg

‍

Additional requirements

  • Russia: ROSCOSMOS
  • Chest: 94-112 cm
  • Height sitting down: 80-99 cm
  • Hip width: 41 cm
  • Foot length: no longer than 29.5 cm
  • Countries that are ESA Member States and Associate Members: European Space Agency (ESA) - ESA use the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of 'normal' weight for height. This value is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared (kg/m2). For example, someone of 70 kg and 170 cm (1.7 meters) would be 70 x 2.89 (1.7 x 1.7) = a BMI of 24.22.   Click here for more information from the WHO.

‍

When will this be measured?

It’s likely your height and weight will be measured during the medical stage (see article: ‘comparing astronaut selection stages’ for when this is likely to occur with your space agency). Whilst there is nothing you can do about your height, it’s important that your weight is within the range at this point. For some astronaut selections, such as the Canadian Space Agency, fitness tests come before the medical stage of selection, and therefore it may be important for your body composition to be optimized to perform at your best.