NASA Opens Applications for Would-be Astronauts

Ever want to become an astronaut? Now's your chance.

NASA in November will begin accepting applications for astronauts from the general public for the first time.

There are caveats -- including having degrees in math, science or engineering, and at least three years of related work experience.

The chosen few will support long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and future deep space exploration activities, according to a statement from NASA.

For scientists, engineers and other professionals who have always dreamed of experiencing spaceflight, this is an exciting time to join the astronaut corps, said Janet Kavandi, director of flight crew operations at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This next class will support missions to the station and will arrive via transportation systems now in development. They also will have the opportunity to participate in NASA's continuing exploration programs that will include missions beyond low Earth orbit.

Expect competition to be as extreme as the training. In 2009, NASA selected nine candidates for astronaut classes out of 3,500 applicants.