"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," said NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, a former astronaut.

"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."

Now, the space agency will begin the process of selecting eight to 14 of those applicants to become astronauts. NASA said it would make the announcement in 2017.

"We have our work cut out for us with this many applications," said Brian Kelly, director of Flight Operations at Johnson Space Center in Texas. "But it's heartening to know so many people recognize what a great opportunity this is to be part of NASA's exciting mission. I look forward to meeting the men and women talented enough to rise to the top of what is always a pool of incredible applicants."