NASA is looking for a few good astronauts. Yes, seriously, and considering that the space agency has plans to study an asteroid close-up and put humans on Mars sometime in the 2030s, this is an exciting time to apply. A news release Nov. 4 outlined the job requirements:

• Science-wonk credentials: Candidates from a variety of backgrounds are chosen for the astronaut program -- pilots, engineers, scientists and doctors. But science is always the bottom line. Astronauts need at least a bachelor’s degree in “engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics,” and an advanced degree is preferable. Candidates should have worked at least three years in a related field or “at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.”  Candidates also must be able to pass NASA’s long-duration spaceflight physical.
• Pure nerve: Candidates may one day be part of the International Space Station crew. They also might fly on one of two commercial crew spacecraft being developed by U.S. companies or on NASA’s Orion deep-space exploration vehicle. The rocket under development to take vehicles into deep space is the Space Launch System, billed by NASA as “the world’s most powerful rocket.”

     Currently, NASA has 47 astronauts. The space agency will accept applications for the next class of astronauts Dec. 14 through mid-February. The class will be announced in 2017. Applications will be accepted at this website: http://www.usajobs.gov.
 
     Related:

    NASA's Orion spacecraft takes shape in Florida

    International Space Station gets extension

    NASA's asteroid plans: A primer

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