NASA Opens Astronaut Applications for First Time in Two Years

NASA is accepting applications for its 25th astronaut class, the agency’s first call in two years. Applications are due by Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Who can apply

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and ideally have a master’s degree in a STEM field. Those without a master’s degree can qualify with at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in a STEM field, completion of a medical degree, or completion or enrollment in a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program. If Test Pilot School is the only advanced technical degree, the applicant must also have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.

Candidates need at least three years of related professional experience. Medical residency training may count toward that requirement if training is complete by July 2027.

Pilots can meet the experience requirement with 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in a high-performance jet aircraft; 1,500 total flight hours, with 750 pilot-in-command hours, in other fixed-wing aircraft; or 1,000 total flight hours, with 300 pilot-in-command hours, in a rotary-wing aircraft.

Applicants must submit a long-form resume and five references, pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical, and demonstrate strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Pay, location and training

USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment website, states that selected astronauts will report for duty at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston. The annual salary is $164,395, and the role requires 76% or more travel, which NASA calls “extensive travel.”

Those selected will spend about two years in training, learning robotics, leadership, lunar geology, spacewalking and more. After completing training, they become eligible for a spaceflight assignment. Until then, they serve as active members of the astronaut corps with astronaut office responsibilities, which may include supporting fellow astronauts in space or helping develop a new spacecraft.

Background

NASA last accepted applications in 2024. Over 8,000 people applied, but only 10 astronaut candidates were chosen. Since the 1960s, 370 people have been selected to train as astronaut candidates, and 32 are currently in NASA’s astronaut corps. This will mark NASA’s 25th astronaut class since the original Mercury Seven in 1959.

Why it matters

The new class will support NASA’s deep-space exploration goals, including journeys to the moon, work on the planned 2032 Moon Base, and systems for the first Mars mission. NASA says the selected astronauts will help lead America’s next era of deep-space exploration and scientific discovery.

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Sources

• cnet.com: NASA Is Accepting Astronaut Applications for the First Time in 2 Years - CNET
• mezha.net: NASA Opens Astronaut Applications for the First Time in Two Years
• digitaltoday.co.kr: NASA opens astronaut applications for first time in two years
• keeptrack.space: NASA Opens Astronaut Class 25 Applications - KeepTrack
• news.ssbcrack.com: NASA Opens Applications for New Astronaut Class to Support Artemis Program - SSBCrack News
• the-express.com: NASA seeks new astronauts for Artemis program mission for first time in 2 years - Space News - News - Daily Express US

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