Can a Hellenic Air-Force Pilot Become an Astronaut?

One of the most emblematic dimensions of outer space is the astronauts, who symbolize human exploration and the quest for knowledge. Since its inception, U.S. NASA has selected 360 astronaut candidates: 212 military and 138 civilians; 191 pilots and 169 non-pilots. The majority of astronauts remain in the military, a trend likely to continue due to the unique skills and abilities pilots bring to space missions. This article briefly describes the selection criteria for the first astronauts internationally, highlighting the significant role of pilots. It also explores the past initiative of the Hellenic Ministry of Defence to select a Greek astronaut from the Air Force, aligning with international practices and providing direction for future efforts.