NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are calling determined space enthusiasts to apply for its solar system ambassador (SSA) program for the year 2023.

The one-year, renewable term will start from Jan. 1, 2023, and those who are interested can apply online at Application Form | Solar System Ambassadors – NASA Solar System Exploration. The application window is open till Sept. 30.

Results of the selection will be announced in early December, and selected volunteers will be able to start their year of service after completing Orientation and Ethics training.

Selected individuals will have to organize at least four community-level events in a year focused on spreading awareness of NASA's latest missions and projects. SSAs will get the opportunity to interact with scientists, engineers, and project team members. Also, webinars will be organized by NASA to equip ambassadors with knowledge of NASA's space exploration missions.

In these training sessions, selected individuals will be provided with information on rules of operation, NASA's background and, also, materials needed to support specific mission accomplishments, like launches, planetary flybys, first image returns, arrivals, and key discoveries.

Ambassadors will also be given access to training archives and resource links. Additionally, hard copy materials will be provided whenever available.

While individuals nationwide can apply for this program, NASA has especially urged interested parties from the following states to try -- Connecticut, Delaware, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wyoming, District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.

Interested individuals must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. He/she must have a strong bond with his/her community. The individual should be able to inspire youth in the community to take up a career in science and technology.

SSA should have previously shown the ability to engage the audience, must have a genuine interest in NASA's goals and milestones, and also share knowledge about space exploration.

Ambassadors will act as part of JPL's public engagement team and will help spread details about NASA's initiatives to the local level.

Individuals from different backgrounds are welcome, including formal and informal education, science, engineering, and amateur astronomy. But this is not an exhaustive list.

Eligible candidates must propose a feasible plan for four events to be conducted in a year.

The program, earlier called Galileo Ambassadors, was started in 1997 with the aim to involve the public through trained volunteers. It was then renamed Solar System Ambassadors in 1999. Ambassadors with their established community connections help NASA in reaching sectors of the general public unaware of its projects and missions.

Grasso, Lauer, and Ware stand in front of NASA's Orion crew capsule for the Artemis 2 mission inside the Operations and Checkout Building during a media tour at Cape Canaveral
NASA