Moonshot: Japan recruits first new astronauts in 13 years

Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai, a doctor and former diving medical officer in Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, speaks during an interview with AFP in Tokyo on July 27, 2018. Kanai came back to earth last month, but he is still dreaming of space, especially with the discovery of an underground lake that could suggest life on Mars.- AFP

TOKYO, Nov 20 (AFP): It's one small step for Japan, but one giant opportunity for would-be space cadets: the country is recruiting new astronauts for the first time in over a decade and applicants no longer have to hold a science degree.

Women are strongly encouraged to put themselves forward for the job, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said, as all seven of the nation's current astronauts are men.