KATHMANDU: NASA has opened application forms for those interested in flying to the International Space Station.

The willing applicants can fill out forms from March 2 to 31, according to the agency.

Some of those qualified can even travel to the moon as part of the Artemis program.

“We’re celebrating our 20th year of continuous presence aboard the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit this year, and we’re on the verge of sending the first woman and next man to the moon by 2024,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement.

NASA said it is planning to send the first humans to Mars in the mid-2030s.

The corps includes 48 astronauts.

For the first time, the application to become an astronaut will include a two-hour online assessment.

Requirements to apply include:

• U.S. citizenship.
• A master’s degree in a STEM field: engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics. The master’s degree requirement can be met with two years of work toward a doctorate program in a STEM field; completed medical doctor degree or doctorate of osteopathic medicine; or completion of a test pilot school program.
• Two years of “related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft,” NASA said.

(With inputs from Agencies)