NASA published a press release today seeking qualified citizens to help them get to Mars, complete with online application.
According to former astronaut and current NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden:
NASA is on an ambitious journey to Mars and we’re looking for talented men and women from diverse backgrounds and every walk of life to help get us there. Today, we opened the application process for our next class of astronauts, extraordinary Americans who will take the next giant leap in exploration. This group will launch to space from U.S. soil on American-made spacecraft and blaze the trail on our journey to the Red Planet.
Applicants need to be highly-qualified. The candidates “must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics.” Advanced degrees are preferable.
Qualified applicants will have three years of “progressively responsible experience” or at least 1,000 hours of “pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.”
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There’s also a rather vigorous physical so that you can prove your body is suitable for long-duration travel in space.
The agency expects to announce the final candidate selections in mid-2017 and they can choose to fly on any of four different US spacecraft during their careers: the International Space Station, two commercial spacecraft, or NASA’s ‘Orion’ deep-space exploration vehicle.
If interested, you can apply online or check out the Reddit AMA at 4pm EST today to learn more.
➤ Apply online to go to Mars. No, seriously [The Register]
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