For astronauts who spend months in space, life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) may seem extraordinary – but with regard to payment, NASA treats it like any other government work on Earth.
Despite high risks, intense schedules and long periods of isolation, NASA does not offer an overtime remuneration for its astronauts, even when they spend months orbit around the planet. The reason? Astronauts are employees employees, classified under the GS-15 remuneration note, with annual wages ranging from $ 125,133 to $ 162,672.
NASA justifies this policy by considering spatial missions as official work assignments, comparable to a long business trip. As with other federal assignment employees, all essential expenses – including food, accommodation and transport – are covered, that astronauts train on earth or turn above.
The only additional compensation that astronauts receive is a small daily allowance for accessories holders, generally around $ 4 per day (approximately Rs 347) – an amount in token for personal expenses, and not as an additional salary.
The retired astronaut Cady Coleman, who spent almost six months in space, explained that this has always been the norm. “You don’t get overtime to be in space. This is part of the agreement, ”she said, stressing that astronauts accept it as part of their mission.
Even Sunita Williams, one of the most recognized astronauts in NASA and a veteran of two long -term ISS missions, is the same compensation framework. Williams, who recorded more than 300 days in space, is one of those who have contributed significantly to human space flights – but as her colleagues, she has received no additional salary for her time spent in orbit.
NASA arises that the missions of astronauts are fully funded, with all the subsistence costs covered, there is no need for overtime. This approach combines with broader federal employment standards, where employee employees generally do not save overtime, even for high -risk or prolonged assignments.
Thus, while astronauts like Sunita Williams and others can inspire millions of people on earth, their pay checks remain attached to government wage gangs – without a bonus to break into space at 17,500 miles per hour.
