Applications to Become a NASA Astronaut Due – Teachers Wanted

According to a recent press release from NASA, the nation’s space agency, those individuals interested in becoming and Astronaut need to submit their application by Friday January 27th. So to all future space explorers, with an ambition to be selected into NASA’s next astronaut class, need to get their application in today.

In addition to the usual candidates for becoming an astronaut, the agency is also encouraging Educators to apply to become an astronaut. Teachers of kindergarten children through 12th grade are being considered.

The minimum qualifications for non-educators is a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience. To apply to become an astronaut, applications can be submitted through the federal government’s USAJobs.gov website.

According to NASA, the agency typically receives as many as 3,500 applicants for each astronaut class. So far for the current class, over 3,000 applications have been received since November.

“We are excited about the response we have received, and we want to encourage anyone contemplating this dynamic and exciting career to apply,” said Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office. “We are entering a new phase in human spaceflight with amazing opportunities to live and work in space. We want the best, the brightest and the most talented mix of professionals to join our team.”

NASA expects to announce the final selections in 2013 with initial training to begin that summer.

Additional information about how to become an astronaut and about the astronaut program can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/flynasa.