What is the basic training of American astronauts?

The basic training of American astronauts is similar to that of former Soviet astronauts, including basic scientific knowledge training, physical fitness training and general flight training.

The astronaut training of Gemini spacecraft is generally divided into three stages of general training, which requires six months of scientific knowledge learning and physical exercise. According to the flight plans of Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, these astronauts have broader and deeper scientific knowledge than those of Mercury spacecraft, such as geology, astronomy, mathematics, flight mechanics, basic aerodynamics, rocket engines, computers, inertial systems, navigation technology, navigation and control, communication technology, spacecraft control system and laboratory simulation technology, upper atmosphere and cosmophysics, physiology, aerospace medical biology, flight physiology and environmental systems, meteorology and so on.

All astronauts who participated in the Apollo program training had to arrange for six months of scientific and technological knowledge study and training, and took fewer courses than Gemini astronauts, because they had paid attention to the astronauts' own knowledge level when selecting them. Astronauts who plan to fly in Apollo should be familiar with and master scientific knowledge including geology, astronomy, mathematical computer, space medicine, upper atmosphere and cosmology physiology, flight dynamics, meteorology, guidance and navigation, rocket engine and communication technology. Learning these basic courses is mainly to ensure that astronauts can complete the special space mission of Apollo spacecraft, and most of the topics are directly combined to discuss the basic characteristics of each system of the spacecraft. Such as the guidance and navigation of Apollo spacecraft. The study and training plan averages three and a half days a week. In addition to this basic training, endurance training and life-saving training for special environmental factors in space are also needed. In order to make astronauts familiar with overweight, weightlessness, noise, vibration, high and low temperature, pressure suit and cabin pressure changes, and have adaptability and endurance to these special environmental factors, it is necessary to carry out experimental training in a simulated environment for a certain period of time to enhance their adaptability and endurance. Apollo astronauts' life-saving training is stricter than that of Mercury and Gemini astronauts. The plan requires them to conduct five-day special survival and life-saving training in tropical areas, desert environments and water. The purpose of training is to convince astronauts that even if they accidentally land, they can survive until rescuers arrive, that is, until they are rescued. Each kind of training is divided into three parts, which are the topic of survival concept, so that astronauts believe that no matter where they go, in what harsh environment, there is the possibility of survival; The second is how to survive, that is, the way to survive. For example, the training designer requires trainees to carry out survival training in deserts, dense forests and oceans, make distilled water by themselves, learn to hunt wild animals and cook them to make food; The third is the actual experience of living in a special environment. Life-saving training on water is generally combined with extravehicular training, but the training time should be relatively extended.

In order to be familiar with the engineering structure and principle of Apollo spacecraft systems, astronauts are required to contact with engineering designers and relevant personnel of production enterprises, and conduct experiments on the actual spacecraft, and then each trained astronaut is required to report on the spacecraft systems to assess their familiarity.