NASA Opens Applications for Next Astronaut Class, Deadline Dec. 3

NASA has opened applications for its next class of astronauts, who will train for missions to the Moon and Mars as part of the agency's Artemis program.

Application Details

Applications are open to U.S. citizens until 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 3. NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027, with selected candidates beginning training as the next class of astronaut candidates.

Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens with 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
• Completion of a qualifying medical degree
• Completion of, or current enrollment in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program, provided the program is completed by July 2027

Candidates must also have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree. For pilots, this can be met through 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in high-performance jet aircraft, 1,500 total flight hours including 750 hours as pilot in command of fixed-wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours including 300 hours as pilot in command of rotary-wing aircraft. 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.

Mission Context

The next generation of astronauts will train to operate on the lunar surface, live and work beyond Earth, and take on missions that will push the boundaries of human exploration farther than ever before. They 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.

"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."

Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 people to train as astronaut candidates. The agency has 32 astronauts active in the astronaut corps. The last time NASA opened applications was in 2024; from more than 8,000 applications, 10 astronaut candidates were selected in 2025 and are currently completing nearly two years of training.

"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."

Why it matters

The recruitment comes as NASA prepares to return Americans to the Moon, build a lunar base, and lay the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars. Selected astronauts could take part in missions near the lunar South Pole, helping explore areas of the Moon that have never been visited by humans.

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Sources

• nasa.gov: NASA Seeks Next Generation of Explorers to Join Astronaut Corps - NASA
• foxweather.com: NASA launches search for next class of astronauts ahead of Moon and Mars missions | Fox Weather
• livenowfox.com: Future astronauts wanted: NASA opens recruitment for moon missions | LiveNOW from FOX
• bgnes.com: NASA opens recruitment for astronauts to walk on the Moon and Mars | BGNES
• tech.yahoo.com: Dream of going to space? NASA is searching for its next generation of astronauts

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