Why do I need to be able to swim?

The ability to be calm and confident in situations that include water is a very important attribute for astronauts. The primary reason is the Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) training, which is a crucial skill to master, that involves simulating spacewalks to be conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). A model of the ISS is submerged in a large pool, also called a Neutral Buoyancy Lab, where over 25 hours will be spent training. Some of the challenges include mastering buoyancy (not sinking or rising in the water, but staying in the same position), slowing your movements down, using tools, maintaining dexterity despite wearing a cumbersome spacesuit, being calm and controlled for oxygen to be used efficiently, and managing your concentration despite long hours and exhaustion. This is one of the most difficult exercises for an astronaut, and extremely important to perform well for mission success.

In addition, one aspect that is included early in basic training is learning how to fly (if the candidate isn’t already an experienced pilot). Before being able to get into an aircraft, astronauts need to pass a basic swimming test and be able to perform simulated escape procedures. These escape procedures require confidence in the water, holding your breath and executing the task as instructed (e.g., calmly take your seatbelt off, open the escape hatch/window, and make your way safely to the surface. Sometimes this will include the use of breathing apparatus). This is often performed upside down, and in the dark with emergency lighting. Therefore, if you are not confident in water, it will be very difficult to remain calm in this circumstance.

Finally, when returning from the International Space Station, depending on the spacecraft provider, it’s possible that a ‘splash down landing’ is performed. Splashdown is the method of landing a spacecraft capsule by parachute in a body of water, where the crew are then picked up via boat, however astronauts must prepare for the worst-case scenario of water entering the capsule or having to swim in a spacesuit to safety. In basic training, this scenario will be simulated in difficult conditions, such as rough water and bad weather. Therefore, being confident in open water (and not just a swimming pool) is an important skill to master.

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What ability do I need for selection?

The following are the swimming requirements for each of the major space agencies;

United States of America (USA): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

No official requirement.

Countries that are ESA Member States and Associate Members: European Space Agency (ESA)

In the selection pack, ‘the ability to swim’ is mentioned, however, this is not tested in the selection process.

Note: European Space Agency astronaut selection is open to Nationals from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (ESA Member States), plus Slovenia and Latvia (Associate Members).

Russia: ROSCOSMOS

The selection process includes two tests in the water. The first is to jump from a 3 meter platform with a specific technique (with a straight body, start to fall without movement) with the aim of going into the water head first with minimum splash. The second is to swim no less than 25 meters underwater.

Japan: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Swim a minimum of 75m (25m x 3) and tread water for 10 minutes, wearing a swimsuit and/or clothing.

Canada: Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

CSA asked whether individuals were comfortable with water during the application phase and later tested swimming ability in 'round 3 - survival and damage control'. This included a 250 meter swim in 10 minutes, followed by a dive into the pool from 3 meters and treading water for 10 minutes with hands above the water surface. A simulated helicopter crash was performed in the latest selection process, followed by an individual assessment.

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What ability do I need for training?

A gold standard preparation would be to replicate the requirements for astronaut basic training. Therefore, in addition to being able to swim proficiently, these skills / activities will help you to become more confident in water and relying on safety procedures and equipment;

Scuba diving

• Scuba diving providers will offer different levels of certification. The provider doesn’t necessarily matter, but one that focuses on safety and accurate execution of tasks is important. Also, if you wish to use your license in different conditions and countries, an internationally known provider would be most useful.
• In addition to the basic qualifications, qualifications such as rescue, navigation, and night diving is helpful. Being qualified in a dry suit and rebreather is excellent.
• The higher the qualification and more number of dives the better. To start to be proficient at diving will take ~20 dives, to be more confident will take ~50 dives, and getting toward expert status will start ~100 dives onward. Perhaps more important than the number of dives, is diving in different and more challenging environments. This could include poor visibility or very cold. Only attempt ice diving or cave diving if you are extremely proficient and have expert tuition and local guides.
• Having a professional career that includes scuba diving is looked on extremely favorably. This could include being a scuba diving instructor, but a commercial / military / police diver, where risk and the use of tools to complete a mission are implicit, would be a huge advantage.

Emergency procedures

• There are certain training environments that allow you to perform and practice emergency procedures with water.
• Flood training – often this type of training is available to fire service professionals, and military personnel, most commonly in the Navy. This training includes remaining calm and problem solving when water is pouring into a small space. This task is typically performed in teams, so provides additional insight into how you work with others and communicate in a stressful scenario. This was used during the Canadian Space Agency astronaut selection (1.15 minutes – CSA website).
• Underwater escape training – this can be completed by commercial providers, as part of the helicopter professional training, and by military personnel that will be travelling on aircraft for duty. The procedures to complete gradually increase in difficulty, where it is important to execute the tasks calmly and accurately. These are usually performed in teams, or with others, and their feedback / instructors feedback on your performance would be very useful. This article from ESA provides more information.
• Water survival training – gaining training in this area from a professional organization would provide the most benefit. Examples include the coast guard / lifeboat organization, military, or airline. This can also be available through commercial providers. If the environment can be made gradually more difficult, by adding wind, waves, and rain, that would provide an additional challenge. Here is an example of NASA conducting water survival training.