NASA has opened up the call for new astronauts to send to deep space
Emma Rosemurgey
Featured Image Credit: NASA/Space Frontiers/Getty Images / Nasa/Getty Images
There are some careers that every kid dreamed of doing when they grew up - and being an astronaut is definitely one of them.
If that dream ever applied to you, then you could be in luck because NASA has just opened the call for its next class of astronauts to be sent into deep space on their space stations or to explore the Moon.
Perhaps it's time to refresh your memory on what would happen if you were without a spacesuit?
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But, before you rush off to get that application in, there are some requirements you should know about.
Like with any job, NASA have certain expectations of those who will be apart of their team but have said they don't want to scare anyone from applying as they want the biggest range of people to apply.
So if you fit any of the below brackets, then perhaps it might be worth a shot?
Let's start with the easiest.
The first is that you need to be a citizen of the United States - which is pretty easy for anyone who was born in the US.
NASA also requires their applicants to have a master's degree or equivalent in a STEM field - although you can also get through if you currently work as a pilot or a medical doctor.
They will also accept applications from people who are doing two years of work towards a PhD in a STEM field.
The third requirement is that you need at least three years of professional experience under your belt.
If you meet all of those criteria, then you can apply for the post.
But to get any further than that, you'll then need to pass the long-duration flight astronaut physical, which sounds pretty gruelling.
"We are looking for folks that definitely have strong technical skills. That's a given if you're going to come and be in this role for NASA," Astronaut Selection Manager April Jordan previously told IFL Science.
"But we're also looking for folks who have a bit of a multidisciplinary background. So folks that have done a lot of things not just in their work experiences, but their life experiences."
And of course, you have to be a team player - who else is gonna get you out of a possibly sticky situation?
"Team skills are a huge piece of being in this role. Nothing really happens within the astronaut’s world as an individual. You're working with the team all the time. So when we select folks, we bring them in as a team," Jordan continued.
"You're training for your missions as a team, and that's your team in space and your team on the ground that you're communicating with. Team skills is something that is really high on the list for top competencies that we're looking for."
Those who are successful will then need to be trained how to live and work on the space station, including a number of key skills like how to manipulate robotics and extravehicular activity, which is how to perform tasks outside of a spacecraft.
Last time NASA opened up the call for new astronauts, the organization received an eye-watering 12,000 applicants so they've got the cream of the crop to choose from - but only a small number make it further along in the recruitment process.
If you think you've got what it takes, get your application in before the deadline on April 2.