As NASA gears up to launch American astronauts from American soil to the International Space Station (ISS), it is already looking ahead to next year for the next batch of astronauts. The space agency is now accepting applications for want-to-be astronauts, who will begin training as early as 2021.
The astronauts could be sent to the ISS in the future, or even be selected for the Artemis Mission, which will see NASA launch astronauts to the Moon in 2024.
NASA stated it is looking for the “Artemis Generation” of astronauts, but it is looking for a very specific criteria of space cadets.
To apply, one must be a citizen of the US and have a degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, from an accredited institution.
The requirement for the master’s degree can also be met by:
• Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work toward a Ph.D. program in a related science, technology, engineering or math field;
• A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree;
• Completion (or current enrolment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognised test pilot school program.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said: “We’re celebrating our 20th year of continuous presence aboard the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit this year, and we’re on the verge of sending the first woman and next man to the Moon by 2024.
“For the handful of highly talented women and men we will hire to join our diverse astronaut corps, it’s an incredible time in human spaceflight to be an astronaut.
“We’re asking all eligible Americans if they have what it to takes to apply beginning March 2.”
NASA said: “As part of the application process, applicants will, for the first time, be required to take an online assessment that will require up to two hours to complete.
“After completing training, the new astronauts could launch on American rockets and spacecraft developed for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to live and work aboard the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth, where they will take part in experiments that benefit life at home and prepare us for more distant exploration.
“They may also launch on NASA’s powerful new Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, docking the spacecraft at the Gateway in lunar orbit before taking a new human landing system to the Moon’s surface.
“After returning humans to the Moon in 2024, NASA plans to establish sustainable lunar exploration by 2028.
“Gaining new experiences on and around the Moon will prepare NASA to send the first humans to Mars in the mid-2030s.
“NASA expects to select the new class of astronaut candidates in mid-2021 to begin training as the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts.”
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