Want to go to space? NASA is getting ready to pick its next class of astronauts

NASA announced Wednesday morning that it’s seeking a new round of astronaut candidates. They are looking for the next generation of U.S. space explorers.

Since we know Technical.ly readers are always interested in where the world’s going next, we thought there might be some of you who are up for a space adventure.

Needless to say, now would be a pretty cool time to become an astronaut.

Soon, space launches will (finally) return to U.S. soil with two different types of commercial spacecrafts, and astronauts will begin flying in NASA’s Orion spacecraft — intended to take humans to Mars one day — before too long.

Sound like a cool gig? Here are the basic requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics
• Three years of related, professional experience (a master’s degree counts as one year; a Ph.D. as three)
• Ability to pass NASA’s space physical (with regard to vision, blood pressure, height, etc.)

NASA has also made available a handy guide to the selection process, as well as a collection of debunked myths about who does and doesn’t get picked to go to space.

Applications open here on Dec. 14, and NASA expects to announce its selected candidates in 2017. Guess they really have to make sure they’re sending the best of the best up there.