Katie Walters, CFNN Editor/Reporter

Have you ever dreamed about being an astronaut? Well, then this might be your chance. NASA is currently hiring for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts!

From March 2nd to March 31st, 2020, NASA is accepting applications for these new astronaut candidates. This year, it’s planned that they will be going on American rockets to the International Space Station, 250 miles above the Earth, as well as the potential idea of the Moon and even Mars.

“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,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. 

The basic requirements for this job are definitely more than what the average college degree job will get. Applicants need to be U.S. Citizens, with a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, from an accredited institution. A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, as well as a few other credentials, can be accepted.

Candidates also need to have at least two years of related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astronaut candidates must pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical.

There’s a rigorous process that must be completed before even being considered. First of all, there’s an online application that takes about two hours to complete. 

If accepted, they will begin training, where they will become prepared to launch on American rockets and spacecraft (developed for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program) to live and work aboard the International Space Station. They will take part in experiments in order to benefit life at home, as well as better prepare us for the Moon and Mars.

With these new astronauts, NASA has an idea of a potential list of events in the upcoming future. 

“After returning humans to the Moon in 2024, NASA plans to send astronauts to the lunar surface once per year on expeditions and 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,” stated NASA.

Would this be the job for you? For more information, visit Explorers Wanted: NASA to Hire More Artemis Generation Astronauts