NASA Accepting Applications for Future Astronauts

Do you dream of flying in space? Now is your chance. NASA is accepting applications for the agency’s next class for the Astronaut Candidate Program.

Qualified individuals can submit their applications through the federal government’s USAJobs.gov website. Those selected will be among the first to pioneer a new generation of commercial launch vehicles and travel aboard a new heavy-lift rocket to distant destinations in deep space.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or mathematics and three years of relevant professional experience. Successful applicants frequently have significant qualifications in engineering or science; or extensive experience flying high-performance jet aircraft. Educators teaching kindergarten through 12th grade with these minimum degree requirements also are encouraged to apply.

NASA will accept applications through Jan. 27, 2012. After applicant interviews and evaluations, the agency expects to announce the final selections in 2013. Training will begin that summer.

For more information about astronaut application and selection and to follow the latest news via NASA accounts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, visit http://www.nasa.gov/flynasa.