Kass hastens to add, though, that the candidates must also demonstrate emotional and psychological stability, coupled with an extremely strong sense of purpose. In effect, the would-be astronauts must be equipped to accept that they will be living on Mars for the rest of their lives.
I don't understand the word would-be.
Best Answer
"The would-be astronauts" means "those who are hoping to become astronauts."
You can use would-be before a noun, such as in would-be actor, would-be manager, would-be parents.