NASA on Monday unveiled its newest group of astronauts — 10 scientists, engineers and test pilots selected from more than 8,000 applicants — who are expected to help lead future missions to the moon and, eventually, Mars.

For the first time in history, women outnumber men in an incoming astronaut class. The six women and four men include a geologist who worked on NASA’s Curiosity rover on Mars and a SpaceX engineer who has already flown in orbit, taking part in the world’s first private spacewalk last year.

The recruits will undergo two years of rigorous training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston before becoming eligible for spaceflight.

Acting Administrator Sean Duffy said one of them could be among the first astronauts to step onto Mars, while stressing Washington’s determination to lead the renewed race to the moon.

“You are America’s best and brightest, and we’re going to need America’s best and brightest because we have a bold exploration plan for the future,” Duffy said at the ceremony. “Some are challenging our leadership in space, say like the Chinese … We are going to win.”

This is NASA’s 24th astronaut class since the Mercury Seven were introduced in 1959. Only 370 people have ever been chosen, making it one of the world’s most exclusive professions, dominated historically by men. The new class will join 41 active U.S. astronauts.

NASA’s flight operations director Norm Knight described the newcomers as “distinguished” and “exceptional,” noting that the competition was intense. The class includes several military pilots, a former SpaceX launch director and a medical doctor.

Among them is Air Force Maj. Adam Fuhrmann, who said he received the life-changing call while driving home in rush hour traffic. “I pulled into a parking lot just to make sure I was hearing right,” he recalled. Another selectee, Air Force Maj. Cameron Jones, had just settled into a new home after a cross-country move.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erin Overcash said she was relaxing at home when she got the news. Her first reaction was disbelief: “No way. I mean, yes, of course. But like no way.” She believes her experience living aboard a ship with 5,000 people will prepare her for the challenges of space.

Anna Menon, who joined billionaire Jared Isaacman on a SpaceX mission last September, became the first NASA astronaut candidate to have already visited orbit. She follows in the footsteps of her husband, a former SpaceX flight surgeon, who was selected in NASA’s previous astronaut class.

Also among the new astronauts is Lauren Edgar of the U.S. Geological Survey, who worked on the Curiosity rover and most recently contributed to the science team preparing for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions. “I am so excited to be officially part of the NASA family,” Edgar said.