The Korean Air Force will train space pilots in an attempt to develop itself into an aerospace force over the next nine to 12 years.

The air force will train its pilots, who have completed more than 1,500 hours of jet fighter flying, as part of the project, which is expected to be complete by 2017, according to english.chosun.com.

The selected pilots will then be trained for another three years, to be designated as spacecraft commanders.

“We are also considering talking with the US, China and Russia for the project,” air force chief of staff Gen. Kim Eun-gi said.