NASA Opens Applications for Next Astronaut Class

NASA is accepting applications for its next class of astronauts, who will join the agency as it pursues missions to the Moon and Mars.

U.S. citizens have until 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 3, to submit completed application materials.

Application Requirements

Basic requirements include United States citizenship and a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science from an accredited institution. The master’s degree requirement can also be met by:

• Completion of at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in an appropriate technical field of engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
• Completion of a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or a related medical degree.
• Completion of, or current enrollment in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program, provided the program is completed by July 2027. If Test Pilot School is the only advanced technical degree, then completion of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science is required.

Candidates must also have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree.

For pilots, the professional experience requirement may be met through the following flight experience:

• High-performance jet aircraft: 750 hours of pilot-in-command time.
• Other fixed-wing aircraft: 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command.
• Rotary-wing aircraft: 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command.

For medical doctors, residency training may count toward the professional experience requirement and must be completed by July 2027.

Astronaut candidates must pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Selection and Training

NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027 to begin training as the next class of astronaut candidates.

The agency last opened applications in 2024. From more than 8,000 applications, astronaut candidates were selected in 2025 and are currently completing training.

Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 people to train as astronaut candidates for its increasingly challenging missions. The agency has 32 astronauts active in the astronaut corps, and selected applicants will join their ranks to study spacewalking, lunar geology, operations of high-performance aircraft, and more.

Leadership Comments

“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “The people we select could walk on the Moon, live and work at the Moon Base, and help pioneer the systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars. Those missions will demand technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage. NASA’s astronaut corps has always called on remarkable Americans willing to take on extraordinary challenges in service to the nation. If you are ready to join that tradition, come help write the next chapter of humanity’s greatest adventure.”

“The window is open. The mission is waiting. And the only thing missing from the greatest adventure humanity has ever embarked upon is you,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson.

“For those who apply, becoming a NASA astronaut is more than a career opportunity,” said Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “It is a chance to join a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of discovery and play a role in the missions that will shape humanity’s future in space. The next generation of astronaut candidates could help write history while inspiring future scientists, engineers, and explorers.”

Why it matters

The application window offers U.S. citizens a path to join NASA’s astronaut corps for missions focused on the Moon and Mars. NASA states that selected applicants will join 32 active astronauts to study spacewalking, lunar geology, and operations of high-performance aircraft, among other training.

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Sources

• nasa.gov: NASA Seeks Next Generation of Explorers to Join Astronaut Corps - NASA

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.