Flying in space can be a reality once you qualify to join NASA's next class for the Astronaut Candidate Program.

NASA has announced that it is now accepting applicants to the agency's next class for future astronauts.

Those who will be selected will be among the first to pioneer a new generation of commercial launch vehicles and travel aboard a new heavy-lift rocket to distant destinations in deep space, NASA said.

Starting today, those interested can submit their applications through the federal government's USAJobs.gov website from January 27, 2012. NASA expects to announce the final selections in 2013 and then training will begin that summer.

As a minimum qualification, applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience. Additional qualifications include significant qualifications in engineering or science; or extensive experience flying high-performance jet aircraft.

NASA also encourages educators teaching kindergarten through 12th grade provided they possess the minimum qualification.

"For 50 years, American astronauts have led the exploration of our solar system," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "Today we are getting a glimpse of why that will remain true for the next half-century. Make no mistake about it, human space flight is alive and well at NASA."