Only a small percentage of people who have attempted to be astronauts have succeeded. The training and physical requirements are extremely stringent. This is because billions of dollars and many lives are at stake for the smallest mistake. Another component is what motivates someone to put themselves at risk. Particularly considering how little compensation is actually available.
Links:
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/606877main_FS-2011-11-057-JSC-astro_trng.pdf
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/top-5-nasa-inventions.htm
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/hidden-talents-in-harsh-environments/E5955348146CE5EE527AE225B1817628
https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/extreme/environments.html
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-twins-study-results-published-in-science
https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4225/long-duration/long.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_and_sociological_effects_of_spaceflight
https://www.space.com/26799-nasa-astronauts-psychological-evaluation.html
Recommendations
Abraham: Bad Times at the El Royale (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6628394/)
Shane: Every Time I Die - Radical (https://everytimeidie.net/)
You can reach us directly at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.