Do you want to be an Astronaut? NASA Want Ad: Astronauts needed to help get to Mars. Do you meet the criteria?

2015-12-14T12:34:55-05:00

Need more office space? How about outer space?

NASA opened its astronaut-application website Monday. It's accepting applications through Feb. 18.

Contenders need to be U.S. citizens with a bachelor's degree in science, math or engineering. Expect intense competition: More than 6,000 applied for NASA's last astronaut class in 2013, with only eight picked. It's an elite club, numbering only in the 300s since the beginning.

Future astronauts will have four spacecraft at their disposal: the International Space Station, two commercial crew capsules to get there, and NASA's Orion spacecraft for eventual Mars trips. Pay is between $66,000 and $145,000 a year, and you'll have to move to Houston.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, a former astronaut, says this next group will help "blaze the trail" to Mars.

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/nasa-want-ad-astronauts-needed-help-get-mars-n479641

NASA Want Ad: Astronauts Needed to Help Get to Mars

NASA opened its astronaut-application website Monday. It's accepting applications through Feb. 18

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 14 at 2015 12:35 PM

2015-12-14T12:35:57-05:00

MSgt Curtis Ellis Too old, and too out of shape. But man, I wish I could.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 14 at 2015 12:52 PM

2015-12-14T12:52:29-05:00

MSgt Curtis Ellis Are you familiar with the Mars One project, Msgt?

It's a private company formed to put people on Mars. And while on the face of it that seems laughable, they've actually come a long way. Anyway, interesting stuff, if you're into the concept:

http://www.mars-one.com/

Mars One

Mars One will establish the first human settlement on Mars in 2025. Mars One invites you to join us in this next giant leap for humankind!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 14 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-12-14T12:54:05-05:00

MSgt Curtis Ellis - NASA estimates that it would take 6-months to get there. Excluding time to conduct any requisite experiments, add another 6-months for the return trip. The money looks inviting. But, I'd miss my daughters high-school graduation. Put me on the "alternate" list.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 14 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-12-14T13:06:36-05:00

My degree is in History and I don't think they would count me being round as in shape lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-12-14T13:38:23-05:00

Mars.......The first and ONLY one way mission for someone that volunteers! I would have to pass on that one. LOL!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-12-14T14:25:27-05:00

I so wanted to be a part of NASA that I jokingly said I kept a suitcase packed in case they ever called. At a large church dinner after a family funeral on 01/28/96, someone asked me if I was still as interested, to which I replied, "Hell, yes, I'd go tomorrow if they called."

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 15 at 2015 4:49 AM

2015-12-15T04:49:20-05:00

Pretty Sure this Old Goat is way past qualifying for any Flight Medical.