NASA goes on to state, “NASA is now accepting applications for its 2009 astronaut class. The agency is looking for a few men and women who want to fulfill their dreams and be a part of the next generation of explorers.”

Those people accepted into this new class of astronauts could be part of an international mission to the International Space Station or a U.S. mission to the Moon aboard one of its new Orion spacecraft.

In fact, NASA says that, “The open positions are for astronaut candidates to train for tours of duty on the International Space Station, the largest human spacecraft ever built. It is also the site for research that will prepare NASA for future long-duration human missions to the moon and other destinations.”

Candidates for the openings, either civilian or military, must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or mathematics and have at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Many successful candidates will have experience flying jet airplanes. Teachers are also eligible to become astronauts.

As a U.S. government agency (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), all applicants must be U.S. citizens. NASA states that they “encourage” women and minorities to apply.

More information follows on the second page, along with the website to apply.