NASA Opens Applications for Next Astronaut Class

NASA is accepting applications for its next class of astronauts, who will join the agency as it returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base, and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 3.

Who can apply

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science, from an accredited institution. The degree requirement can also be met by completing at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in an appropriate technical field, completing a qualifying medical degree, or completing or currently enrolling 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 qualification, a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is also required.

Candidates must have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree. For pilots, the requirement may 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 in fixed-wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours including 300 hours as pilot in command in rotary-wing aircraft. For medical doctors, residency training may count toward the professional experience requirement and must be completed by July 2027.

Training and selection

Selected candidates will train to operate on the lunar surface, live and work beyond Earth, and take on missions that push the boundaries of human exploration. Training includes spacewalking, lunar geology, and operations of high-performance aircraft. Astronaut candidates must pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

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

"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."

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

Why it matters

The selected astronauts will support NASA’s Artemis missions and the agency’s goal of establishing an enduring human presence on the lunar surface, while building the foundation for the first crewed mission to Mars.

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Sources

• nasa.gov: NASA Seeks Next Generation of Explorers to Join Astronaut Corps - NASA
• aol.com: Dream of going to space? NASA is searching for its next generation of astronauts - AOL
• foxweather.com: NASA launches search for next class of astronauts ahead of Moon and Mars missions | Fox Weather

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