NASA has made a major announcement that will impact the space agency’s future at a time when they have their sites set on some incredible accomplishments. The agency has combed through 18,000 applicants and settled on 12 new astronaut candidates who will be the future for NASA’s space missions.

It’s a huge field of candidates, the largest ever for NASA, whose previous largest was 8,000 applicants back in 1978. NASA announced their 12 newest astronauts in a big unveiling recently, allowing the public to meet them for the first time.

When the astronauts are assigned to a mission, they will spend two years of mission-specific intensive training, including learning Russian and conducting simulated space walks.

“These are 12 men and women whose personal excellence and whose personal courage will carry our nation to even greater heights of discovery and who I know will inspire our children and our grandchildren every bit as much as your forebears have done so in this storied American program,” said Vice President Mike Pence  in an introduction ceremony. “And to this newest class of astronauts, it’s my honor to bring the sincere congratulations of the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. Your President is proud of you, and so am I.”