Ever Dreamed of Becoming an Astronaut? Now's Your Chance

Astronaut Mark C. Lee floats freely above Earth as he tests equipment in a 1994 spacewalk. (Credit: NASA) Looking for a new job that will literally take you places? On Monday, NASA started receiving applications for the astronaut class of 2017. Members from this class will participate in an unprecedented transition at NASA as one of the approximately four American astronauts who visit the International Space Station (ISS). The new crop of astronauts will also comple commercial crew spacecraft missions, and perhaps even strap into Orion vehicle for deep space. And by meeting a few preliminary qualifications, you have a chance to play a direct role in these exciting times — and collect a paycheck.The Right Stuff Since I was a space-crazed teenager, I've glanced at this most out-of-this-world want ad when it's posted every few years. I’ve since grown up to be an astronomer who loves to explore, and ...