Out of more than 18,000 applicants, only 12 were selected for the newest astronaut class. NASA Johnson Space Center's Megan Sumner said the space program is alive and well and they're working on new missions.
“We have international school continuously living up there since 2000, for almost 18 years. And we’re doing [sic] multi-purpose crew vehicle, Orion, which is the next generation vehicle that will actually take people to deep space,” said Sumner.
Sumner said those new astronauts could be on any of those missions.
She said there are some hard parts to the job.
“They can’t shower for six months. They basically have to drink recycled water. It’s not completely glamorous, but it is pretty amazing,” said Sumner.
Sumner says for every astronaut you see, there's so many people on the ground helping them get there.
“Every job is important and plays a part into the overall mission which is sending humans to space,” said Sumner.
Sumner says the dozen reported for duty a few weeks ago.
CNN Money reports that qualified applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a field of science, technology, engineering or math. Post-graduate study or work experience is also required. Think you have what it takes to be an astronaut?