NASA will soon be accepting applications for its next batch of astronauts in preparation for further space explorations including a possible manned-mission to Mars.

Applications will be accepted stating December 12 up to mid-February. Selected candidates are expected to be announced in 2017. Four different US vessels will be available for flight. These are the International Space Station (ISS), two commercial crew spacecraft currently developed by US companies, and NASA's Orion deep-space exploration vehicle.

According to NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, "this next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realise the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet." NASA selects qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

"Those selected for this service will fly on US made spacecraft from American soil, advance critical science and research aboard the International Space Station, and help push the boundaries of technology in the proving ground of deep space," adds Bolden.

NASA is now directing the transition to commercial spacecraft for both crew and cargo transport to the space station. A seventh crew will be added to flights in Boeing's CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon to maximize research in space.

The added members to the team are expected to live up to the 15 years of extensive space research resulting to breakthroughs in space exploration. 

NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft are currently in development which aims to perform complex deep space operations in preparation for the manned-mission Mars.

Currently, NASA has 300 astronauts off to set a mission in exploring space.

The criteria for selecting candidates include, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics, at least three years of experience in a related field and at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.