Sept. 22 (UPI) -- NASA announced 10 new astronaut candidates Monday following a rigorous selection process from more than 8,000 candidates.

The new class of candidates will complete two years of training before they're eligible for flight assignments supporting future science and exploration missions to low-Earth orbit, the moon and Mars, a press release said.

The class was welcomed during a ceremony at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

"I'm honored to welcome the next generation of American explorers to our agency," said Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. "More than 8,000 people applied -- scientists, pilots, engineers, dreamers from every corner of this nation. The 10 men and women sitting here today embody the truth that in America, regardless of where you start, there is no limit to what a determined dreamer can achieve -- even going to space. Together, we'll unlock the golden age of exploration."

The class' curriculum includes instruction and skills development for operations aboard the International Space Station, Artemis missions to the moon, and more. Training includes robotics, land and water survival, geology, foreign language, space medicine and physiology, and more, while also doing simulated spacewalks and flying high-performance jets.

After graduation, the 2025 class will join the agency's active astronaut corps.