NASA is now accepting applications for its 2009 Astronaut Candidate Class. “Those selected could fly to space for long-duration stays on the International Space Station and missions to the moon.”
Ellen Ochoa, NASA’s Chief of Flight Crew Operations, said “We look forward to gathering applications and then being able to select from the largest pool possible. Continuing our impressive record in successfully carrying out challenging human spaceflight missions depends on maintaining a talented and diverse astronaut corps.”
Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or math, and three years of relevant professional experience. “Typically, successful applicants have significant qualifications in engineering or science, or extensive experience flying high-performance jet aircraft.” Teaching experience is also considered a qualifying ability.
NASA will announce their final selections in early 2009, and astronaut candidates will report to Johnson Space Center in the summer of 2009 to begin the basic training.
The application deadline is 1 July 2008. Application forms are available on www.usajobs.gov. For more information about the Astronaut Candidate Program, see NASA’s web site.
Following this announcement, NASA announced Ochoa’s promotion. She will become Deputy Director of the Johnson Space Center following the next Space Shuttle mission (Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-120 on 23 October).