The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Russian Federal Space Agency signed an agreement on April 19 for the dispatch of a Korean astronaut to the Russian spacecraft Soyuz in April 2008. According to KARI, any Korean over the age of 19 can apply to become the first Korean astronaut. KARI said two candidates, who will be eligible to receive training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, will be chosen later this year after a careful review of physical dimensions, fitness and knowledge sufficient to carry out missions on the space. In the meantime, KARI said applications will be open by July 14.