Astronaut applications open: NASA seeks next class for moon and Mars missions

NASA has opened applications for its next class of astronauts, inviting U.S. citizens to help build a base on the Moon and prepare for the first crewed missions to Mars. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, 3 December. The call was announced on a Saturday during a Kennedy Space Center air show promoting lunar exploration and advances in aviation and technology.

What the agency is looking for

NASA said successful candidates would train to operate on the lunar surface, live and work beyond Earth, and take on missions that push human exploration further than before. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said selected candidates "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."

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a master's degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field from an accredited institution. Medical doctors and pilots can meet the degree requirement through other qualifications. All candidates need at least three years of related professional experience after their qualifying degree.

Pilots face separate flight-hour thresholds. These include 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in a high-performance jet, 1,500 total flight hours in another fixed-wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours in a rotary-wing aircraft. Candidates must also pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical and show strong leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Timeline and the last intake

NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027, with training for the new class to follow. The agency last opened applications in 2024. From more than 8,000 applicants, it selected 10 astronaut candidates in 2025, who are currently completing nearly two years of training.

Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 people to train as astronaut candidates. The agency currently has 32 active astronauts in its corps. Selected applicants will study topics including spacewalking, lunar geology and operations of high-performance aircraft.

Moon landing plans and commercial partners

NASA leaders have recently outlined ambitions to return Americans to the Moon in 2028. Both SpaceX and Blue Origin intend to support a crewed lunar landing, according to reporting by The Guardian. NASA's Artemis program is the framework for these missions, which the agency says will focus on the lunar South Pole.

Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, said the role offers a chance "to join a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of discovery." NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson urged people to apply, describing the opportunity as a chance to take part in humanity's next major expedition.

What we know so far

Applications for the next astronaut class are open now and close on 3 December. NASA will review candidates before its final selection in late 2027. Interested applicants can find the full application process and eligibility details on NASA's official website.

Note: The 2028 Moon return target is a stated ambition by NASA leaders and has not been confirmed as a fixed schedule.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only.