15 things you need to qualify for NASA's astronaut program (pictures) - CNET

NASA is recruiting a fresh class of astronauts. The pay ranges from $66,000 to a little over $144,000. But before you get yourself fitted for a space suit, you'll need some pretty specific qualifications, including a cast-iron stomach.

Being strong is important, but having a strong gut is absolutely vital in weightless environments where "singing a rainbow" can cause real problems (in addition to being totally gross).

That's why all astronaut candidates must undergo microgravity training by flying roller-coaster missions in a specially equipped plane. Nicknamed the "vomit comet," it flies steeply up and down, so trainees experience about a half minute of weightlessness going over each hump. Stats: Each flight has 40 to 60 reps, and one in three trainees hurls during their first flight. Wheeeeee!

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