The National Aeronautics and Space Administration or better known as NASA is the American government group that deals with space studies. On Dec. 14, 2015, it opened its doors for the search of future astronauts.
During a conference, NASA Administrator and former astronaut Charles Bolden announced that the agency is now looking for different men and women from different professions and walks of life to help them materialize their ambitious plans for further Mars explorations. He added that the group will be launched to space from America and start the trail on their journey to the Red Planet.
As part of this project, NASA will launch the future group of astronauts to the ISS from Florida's Space Coast using an American-made spacecrafts, the Boeing's CST-100 Starliner and the SpaceX Crew Dragon. These two vehicles will allow an additional seventh crew member for each station mission. By doing this, it will effectively help them double the amount of the time on the study of space, develop new technologies and expand the scientific knowledge.
According to the job description, astronauts will also be sent to the space again with the use of the Orion spacecraft that is going to be launched through NASA's Space Launch System rocket. There they will continue further studies on how to conduct operations in a deep space environment before going into real life missions in the lunar orbit.
In order for NASA to accomplish their plan, they are looking for highly qualified individuals from different fields and backgrounds. People such as engineers, developers, scientists and physicians are encouraged to try out.
According to NASA's Director of Flight Operation Mr. Brian Kelly, the agency's mission and the astronaut's characteristics that will help them achieve the goal has evolved all throughout the years. He also added that they need individuals who are good at what they do, as they believe that a diverse mix of professionals will help them have the best group of astronauts.
NASA also announced that the submission of applications has already started, and it will last until February 2016.