Over 3,000 Potential Spacefarers Have Applied For The Next Class

Individuals interested in becoming America's future space explorers have until Friday to submit their applications. The deadline to apply for NASA's next astronaut class is Jan. 27. The agency typically receives as many as 3,500 applicants for each astronaut class. Thus far, NASA says it has received more than 3,000 applications since November for this class.

"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."

Those interested in applying for the astronaut corps can submit their applications through the federal government's USAJobs.gov website. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience. Educators teaching kindergarten through 12th grade also are encouraged to apply.

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

FMI: www.nasa.gov/flynasa