Most kids growing up probably had aspirations of becoming an astronaut at one point. Now, a group of selected adults will get to live that dream.
The National Aeronautics Space Agency (NASA) is set to announce its astronaut class of 2017 on June 7.
After carefully going through more than 18,300 applications filed between December 2015 and February 2016, NASA is ready to welcome 8 to 14 individuals aboard its next human space flight explorations.
“We have our work cut out for us with these many applications,” he was quoted as saying in a Space Flight Insider report.
“But it’s heartening to know so many people recognize what a great opportunity this is to be part of NASA’s exciting mission. I look forward to meeting the men and women talented enough to rise to the top of what is always a pool of incredible applicants,” he added.
Although the submission of entries for this year has long passed, NASA shared the necessary requirements for the next batches.
They should also possess at least three years of related, progressively responsible, professional experience, or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Lastly, they should also be fit enough to pass the NASA Astronaut physical test.
Meanwhile, this year’s selected applicants will undergo a two-year astronaut corps training in August, before joining the pool of 44 active space explorers.
Upon completion of the tests, they could be assigned to conduct research for the International Space Station, participate in Commercial Crew Program or help out in deep space missions aboard the Orion Spacecraft and the Space Launch System Rocket. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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