Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Flying and navigating aircraft in accordance with established control and operating procedures;
(b) Preparing and submitting flight plan or examining standard flight plan;
(c) Controlling the operation of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment and ensuring that all instruments and controls work properly;
(d) Applying knowledge of principles and practices of flying in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work;
(e) Examining maintenance records and conducting inspections to ensure that aircraft are mechanically sound, maintenance has been performed and that all equipment is operational.;
(f) Signing necessary certificates and maintaining official records of flight;
(g) Obtaining briefings and clearances before flights and maintaining contact with air traffic or flight control during flight.