Ever Wanted To Be An Astronaut? New Show Will Send Its Winner To ISS

Those who have been so curious about what it's like to be an astronaut may now have a shot at making that dream come true. Discovery has just launched a contest that gives regular people a chance to travel to space.

Discovery announced a rather special competitive TV show called "Who Wants To Be An Astronaut?" Tuesday. It is a contest that will give a lucky winner the "once in a lifetime adventure" of going to the International Space Station (ISS).

It will be an eight-part series wherein the candidates will compete for a spot on the Axion Space Mission 2, which is expected to launch "no earlier than January 2022." In it, the final contestants will go through "extreme" challenges that are based on actual astronaut training.

"If you want to compete for this coveted seat to the space station, get ready for a rigorous selection process," Discovery said.

In the end, there will only be one winner who will get a chance to stay aboard the ISS for eight days.

'We're not looking for rocket scientists'

The show is open to regular people, Discovery said. This is quite unlike typical astronaut requirements that include a background in the sciences, maths or engineering.

"We're not looking for rocket scientists - this is an opportunity for regular people to have the chance to travel to space and share that journey with the world," Discovery explained. "Ok, ok, if you're a rocket scientist you're welcome to apply too!"

Based on the casting call, applicants must be at least 18 years old and based in the U.S. They are also required to upload photos and a short video and answer various questions about themselves. Questions include personal ones like "What is something people would never know just by looking at you?" and "When did you love for space and space travel begin?"

It's not clear whether physical disabilities may be a factor in considering contestants but the casting call does include a question about any physical conditions that "may impair" the applicant's participation in physical activities.

Only recently, for instance, the European Space Agency opened its recruitment for two new astronauts for the first time in more than a decade. One of the posts is specifically for an astronaut with a physical disability.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for everyday people to shoot for the stars," Discovery added. "Think you have what it takes?"