NASA has a bigger problem at hand while dealing with the numerous applications for the job vacancy. There has been a dramatic surge in the number of applications that have come through and NASA is currently finding it difficult to manage the astounding number of jobseekers. What is more interesting that the number of applications that NASA has received till date is way more that what anybody could have imagined in his wildest dreams.

According to the report published by NASA on Friday, the organization has received applications way more than the usual margin. The applicant numbers are at a record high. The applications are coming through in response to the announcement that NASA made regarding its hiring process for the 2017 astronaut class.

The numbers state that the applications for the job opening have crossed 18,300 applications. In the past, NASA received a set of 8000 applications for a post in the year 1978 and that was the highest number of applications before this. The numbers this year have even surpassed the number of total applications received by NASA in the year 2012. Although, they did not release the number, but the reports suggest that the current number is literally three times the number of 2012.

“It’s not at all surprising to me that so many Americans from diverse backgrounds want to personally contribute to blazing the trail on our journey to Mars,” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement. “A few exceptionally talented men and women will become the astronauts chosen in this group who will once again launch to space from U.S. soil on American-made spacecraft.”

NASA’s Administrator and former astronaut, Charlie Bolden said, “It’s not at all surprising to me that so many Americans from diverse backgrounds want to personally contribute to blazing the trail on our journey to Mars. A few exceptionally talented men and women will become the astronauts chosen in this group who will once again launch to space from U.S. soil on American-made spacecraft.”

The application process began last year in December and was closed on February 18, this year. Out of all the applicants only 8 to 14 individuals will make the cut and will be selected to the 2017 Class f astronauts.

Officials have stated that it is quite hearty to see that so many people taking interest in working at NASA. It is going to be a healthy work cut out for the officials in the recruitment panel.