To all aspiring astronauts, this might be the chance you have been waiting for: on Tuesday, NASA released an official announcement calling on those qualified to become the next space explorer to throw their hats in the ring.

Those who are hired would be allowed to board the U.S. space agency's Orion capsule.

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"With more human spacecraft in development in the United States today than at any other time in history, future astronauts will launch again from the Space Coast of Florida on American-made commercial spacecraft and carry out deep-space exploration missions that will advance a future of human mission to Mars," the agency posted.

NASA will be accepting applications starting Dec. 14 until mid-February 2016.

According to The Christian Science Monitor, applicants must possess the following credentials to qualify: a bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics accompanied with at least three years of work-study or teaching-related experience; or at least 1000 hours of experience flying as pilot-in-command in a jet.

The agency adds that it prefers those with advanced degrees, and is encouraging teachers to apply.

Other items on the qualifications checklist include a height requirement between 5'2 and 6'3, and that applicants must duly pass NASA's fitness requirements.

NASA wants more astronauts as it pushes with plans for more space exploration, particularly on Mars.

"This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet," said Charles Bolden, NASA's administrator.

"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," he added.

This is the agency's first round of hiring since 2011. During its last recruitment, only eight astronauts successfully passed out of the more than 6,300 who applied.

TagsNASA, astronauts, space explorers, Mars, red planet, NASA hiring astronauts