&gt;astronauts assigned to a mission can make money through public speaking<p>As somebody who knows many current and former astronauts (lived a stone&#x27;s throw from JSC for 20+ years)... I can assure you that astronauts picking up money for appearances is fairly uncommon. A majority are incredibly low-profile, publicity-wise. If they show up to an event to speak, it&#x27;s almost always because they personally feel compelled to advocate for research, education, the space program in general, etc.