NASA just announced it's hiring astronauts for Mars missions. Here's how to apply.
Time to dust off those dreams, kids! NASA is accepting applicants for its new class of astronauts from Dec. 14 through mid-February 2016. Successful candidates will be announced the following year.
During the last recruitment period six years ago, more than 6,100 people applied and only eight candidates were chosen.
I'm sorry, are those odds disheartening? Here, let me wipe off that sugar. The truth is, dear space dreamer, the stakes are even higher. The Astronaut Corps is one of the most exclusive gigs in town and acceptance requires not only a bachelor's degree in math, engineering, biology, or physics, but also, ideally, an advanced science degree. Applicants also need to meet such "basic" requirements as a minimum of 1,000 hours piloting a jet plane. Perfect eyesight is necessary and Russian language skills are a plus. Oh, and people shorter than 5'1" or taller than 6'2" need not apply.
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Keen space geeks might note that NASA doesn't even have a space capable vehicle in operation, since the space shuttles retired in 2011. But fear not, space is still this job's final frontier. Candidates will fly on spacecraft launching from American soil, work aboard the International Space Station, and, potentially, go where no human has gone before.
"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," said NASA administrator Charles Bolden.
Click here to read the full job description and application requirements. And, when you're ready, you can submit your application here. Good luck!
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Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.
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