NASA is looking for its next class of astronauts, and engineers are on its list Are you an engineer who has dreamed of working on the International Space Station or maybe on the surface of Mars? Your big chance could be here. NASA announced today that it’s looking for its next class of astronaut candidates. While the space agency is hoping to find scientists, medical doctors and pilots, it needs engineers, too. “This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet,” said NASA administrator Charles Bolden on the NASA website. “Those selected for this service will fly on U.S.-made spacecraft from American soil, advance critical science and research aboard the International Space Station, and help push the boundaries of technology in the proving ground of deep space.” The astronauts who participate in the upcoming missions can expect to launch into space on U.S.-made commercial spacecraft or on NASA’s own Orion deep-space exploration vehicle. Some may work on the space station, while others may be chosen to fly to an asteroid or Mars. NASA is committed to sending astronauts to the Red Planet in the 2030s. NASA will accept astronaut applications between Dec. 14 and mid-February. Candidates will be announced in mid-2017, according to the agency. Applications can be submitted at USAjobs.gov, the federal government’s job listings site. NASA said that it will be seeking potential astronauts from what it calls a “diverse pool of U.S. citizens with a wide variety of backgrounds.” Applicants do not need to be pilots, though that does help. A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering or math) is required, and an advanced degree is a plus. Among other things, NASA is hoping that the pool of applicants will include people with backgrounds in engineering. For instance, the basic requirements for a potential astronaut pilot include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. For mission specialists, NASA is seeking people with bachelor’s degrees in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. There is no age requirement, although the average age has been 34, nor is a military background required. Candidates must also pass NASA’s spaceflight physical. Related content news analysis Apple earnings: About that iPhone 'slump' in China Based on information from Thursday's earnings report, it seems that data pointing to an iPhone slump in China were over-baked. By Jonny Evans May 03, 2024 9 mins iMac iPhone Apple news Microsoft begins to phase out ‘classic’ Teams Microsoft is encouraging Teams customers to move to the new, faster version of the collaboration app; the older version will be switched off next year. By Matthew Finnegan May 03, 2024 3 mins Microsoft Teams Collaboration Software Productivity Software news analysis Apple confirms it will open up the iPad in Europe this fall The latest efforts to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act mean developers can offer to side load apps to both iPhones and iPads in the EU. Apple has also taken steps to improve what it offers to smaller and non-commercial developers in the By Jonny Evans May 02, 2024 6 mins iPad Apple Mobile Apps news Udacity offers laid-off US workers free access to its courses for 30 days Sign-ups will be available over the next 30 days By Lucas Mearian May 02, 2024 4 mins Technology Industry IT Jobs IT Skills Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe