NASA's hiring! Here's how you can become an astronaut

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

NASA announced Wednesday it's seeking applicants for its newest class of astronauts.
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Help wanted. Must love space.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is seeking candidates for its next class of astronauts. It needs people with a wide variety of backgrounds to join its missions: everyone from pilots and engineers to scientists and medical doctors.

American astronaut Sally K. Ride, mission specialist on STS-7, monitors control panels from the pilot's chair on the flight deck of the Challenger.
Photo by Apic/Getty Images

Those who are chosen may get to fly on one of four spacecrafts, including the International Space Station and NASA's Orion. The missions will help NASA in its ultimate goal of reaching Mars, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden explained.

"This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet," he said in the announcement.

Astronauts Scott Kelly, left, and Kjell Lindgren talk to actors from the movie ''Martian'' from aboard the International Space Station,
NASA via AP

So what does NASA look for in an astronaut? Besides a deep love of deep space, you should have a relevant degree and experience. Here are the exact requirements:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics
At least three years of related professional experience and/or an advanced degree
Ability to pass space physical (including vision that can be corrected to 20/20 and a height between 58 1/2 and 76 inches)

Does it sound like there should be more requirements? That's because there are a lot of misconceptions about what you must have in order to be an astronaut. As NASA pointed out in a blog post, you don't have to earn an advanced degree, have military experience or even be a pilot in order to apply. And don't let your age hold you back, either; any age is eligible.

Astronaut Edwin ''Buzz'' Aldrin walks by the footpad of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module, July 1969.
AP Photo/NASA

If you've ever dreamed of making space exploration history, NASA hopes you'll apply, said Brian Kelly, director of Flight Operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

"This is an exciting time to be a part of America's human space flight program," he said.

You don't have to tell us twice. The application period will last from mid-December until mid-February, and the future astronauts will be announced in 2017.

To apply, visit NASA's application site beginning on Dec. 14.

This story was originally published on Nov. 4, 2015.