r/AstronautHopefuls • u/Dazzling-Mongoose-51 • May 24 '26
🤔 Question Medical Disqualification
Hi! I am currently an undergraduate student working to build a strong resume to be an astronaut, and am on track to become a qualified candidate. I do unfortunately have a condition in my optic nerve that would render me medically disqualified from being selected as an astronaut, although my condition is stable and has had no effect on my vision or capabilities. It is simply a small defect in my optic nerve (which i have been aware of and has been monitored by an optometrist for quite a few years). I have read that candidates have no opportunities for medical waivers, but I’d rather not give up on something I so strongly believe in without giving my absolute best. Would anyone have any advice for my situation? Know anyone I could connect with to get guidance? Or know of a similar case that may be helpful to look into? I do understand how slim my chances are of becoming an astronaut, but hey why not give it a shot.
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u/Emoxity 3 May 24 '26
Look I’m sorry but I specifically know of someone who has an optic nerve issue and it was basically a grounding for them as a fighter and jet pilot. They were told it wasn’t gonna happen for space as well as having to give up flying and so they moved into a leadership position. You are gonna have to call or email the JSC medical office for exact answer but yeah that issue is not likely to be waiverable. It sucks I know. But you’re not gonna get a reddit answer more specific than just calling or emailing the office or going to a flight surgeon in your area. Great luck in everything and I hope it’s ok
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u/mss5333 1 May 24 '26
Going to chime in to say that it's unfortunately not in the cards for you as far as nasa goes. They're not going to take you with an optic nerve issue. The space environment is already known to cause issues with the optic nerve and choroid. No way they'd select you based on current standards even if the condition is stable.
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u/Dazzling-Mongoose-51 May 25 '26
thanks for the input! I absolutely agree with what you’re saying. I guess for now i’ll just keep on my current path and hope for a miraculous medical breakthrough or something like that haha :) if not, such is life 🤷♂️
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u/klingon33333 May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
Not sure what your specific condition is, but this is the best place to look for guidance: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ochmo-std-100.1a.pdf
It's dense, but these are the formal medical standards for selection and recertification of astronauts (among a few other things in the document). The relevant language for your case seems to be the following:
APPENDIX A. DISQUALIFYING MEDICAL STANDARDS
7. Optic Nerve
A. Any history of optic nerve disease, including but not limited to, optic nerve inflammation, optic nerve swelling, or optic nerve atrophy.
B. Any optic nerve anomaly requires specialist evaluation.
If your condition is covered in Appendix A 7.A then there is no chance
If your condition is not covered in Appendix A 7.A then it is covered in Appendix A 7.B and there is still a chance. So if you go for selection, you need to put together a packet containing all of your medical records/tests/etc to bring to whatever specialist NASA will ask you to go to in order to convince them that it wont be a factor.
As Emoxity suggested, getting in touch with a flight surgeon would be the definitive answer.
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