The Battlestar Galactica Online Website is now accepting applications from those interested in beta testing the upcoming free-to-play MMO space game, and Bigpoint announces the first phase in beta testing is now underway involving "thousands of hand-selected players from Europe and the United States." They say they will be continually adding new players on a daily basis leading up to the launch of open beta testing, which is expected next month. In the meantime, here are the details on the closed beta:

During the closed beta period, players are prompted to complete a tutorial mission as either a human or Cylon. Once completed, players are free to explore the universe on their own, where they can engage in PvE and PvP combat, and conduct mining operations. Players can also tour the Battlestar Galactica, a Cylon Basestar, and a number of space outposts and planet bases.