[Video] NASA Opens Applications for Next Astronaut Class Bound for the Moon
NASA announced that applications are now open for its next class of astronauts — the first time the agency has opened astronaut applications since 2024. Those selected will join the astronaut corps as America returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base, and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars. Applications must be submitted through the federal hiring platform USAJOBS by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 3.
"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, he said, will demand technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage: "If you are ready to join that tradition, come help write the next chapter of humanity's greatest adventure."
NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027, after which the new class of astronaut candidates will begin training. Candidates report to the Johnson Space Center in Houston and spend about two years learning basic astronaut skills such as spacewalking, operating the space station, flying T-38 jets, and controlling a robotic arm. Becoming a NASA astronaut "is more than a career opportunity," said Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at the Johnson Space Center. "It is a chance to join a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of discovery."
The basic requirements include U.S. citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field — including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics — from an accredited institution. The master's-degree requirement can also be met by completing at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in an appropriate technical field; by completing a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or related medical degree; or by completing a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program by July 2027, together with a bachelor's degree in a STEM field.
Candidates must also have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree. Pilots may meet the experience requirement through flight time: 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in high-performance jet aircraft; 1,500 total flight hours in other fixed-wing aircraft, including 750 hours as pilot in command; or 1,000 total flight hours in rotary-wing aircraft, 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. Candidates must also pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
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, and the agency currently has 32 active astronauts in the corps.
NASA also released an official recruitment video: "The universe is calling. Will you answer?" Prospective applicants can learn more about the application process and a career as a NASA astronaut at go.nasa.gov/astro2026, and submit their materials through USAJOBS.
Source: NASA
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：NASA宇航员候选人在休斯顿约翰逊航天中心亮相。NASA官方照片，公共领域。 / Photo: NASA astronaut candidates at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Official NASA photograph, public domain.
