The number of applicants for the country's first astronaut program topped 30,000 Friday, reflecting growing public interest in the nation's first manned space mission.

The Science and Technology Ministry said Friday that 24,290 men and 5,710 women have applied to become the nation's first astronaut.

Eighty percent of the applicants were under 30 while those in their 30s accounted for 17 percent. Eighty-four percent were also single.

The application deadline is July 14, after which the ministry will start selection of the final two candidates through physical and aptitude tests.