If you had ever fantasized about being an astronaut, then now is your chance to fulfill that part of your childhood dream.
Ever since Apollo 17’s last manned lunar mission in 1972, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) hasn’t been successful in sending a new generation of astronauts to the moon. In an article published by Business Insider in 2019, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine admitted that the reasons behind their “failed attempts” were budgetary, political, and technological hurdles.
And for the first time in more than four years, NASA has begun accepting applications for potential astronauts who want to be part of Apollo’s twin sister program, Artemis. According to nasa.gov, the goal of this latest lunar exploration is to send the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024 with the use of innovative technologies. They also planned to maximize technologies, capabilities, and new business approaches for a future mission to Mars.
On Monday, NASA announced the good news on Twitter.
Today’s the day.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to #BeAnAstronaut? Applications to join the newest class of #Artemis explorers have just opened today. Get yours in before the deadline of March 31: https://t.co/2Nby0lqcj7 pic.twitter.com/ceBBVgB2A2
— NASA (@NASA) March 2, 2020
But to #BeAnAstronaut, the independent agency requires someone who is a U.S citizen and has a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics, from a recognized institution. Since being an astronaut is no easy task, candidates must have (at least) two years of professional experience or have completed 1,000 hours of “pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.” Aside from that, they should also pass NASA’s two-hour online assessment and spaceflight physical exam. Interested candidates have until March 31, 2020, to submit their applications.
With thousands of people applying for the position, NASA wants to ensure that they are not hiring the wrong people.
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