![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/jsc2025e076292large.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>NASA is looking for the explorers who will help write the next chapter of human spaceflight.<\/p>\n
Applications are now open for the agency\u2019s next class of astronauts, who will join NASA as America returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base, and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
U.S. citizens interested in joining the astronaut corps have until 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 3, to submit their completed application materials at:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/go.nasa.gov\/3WyvlQi<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis is an extraordinary time to join NASA\u2019s astronaut corps,\u201d said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. \u201cThe 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 will demand technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage. NASA\u2019s astronaut corps has always called on remarkable Americans willing to take on extraordinary challenges in service to the nation. If you are ready to join that tradition, come help write the next chapter of humanity\u2019s greatest adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027 to begin training as the next class of astronaut candidates.<\/p>\n \u201cThe window is open. The mission is waiting. And the only thing missing from the greatest adventure humanity has ever embarked upon is you,\u201d said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cFor those who apply, becoming a NASA astronaut is more than a career opportunity,\u201d said Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. \u201cIt 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\u2019s future in space. The next generation of astronaut candidates could help write history while inspiring future scientists, engineers, and explorers.\u201d<\/p>\n Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 people to train as astronaut candidates for its increasingly challenging missions. The agency has 32 astronauts active in the astronaut corps, and selected applicants will join their ranks to study spacewalking, lunar geology, operations of high-performance aircraft, and more.<\/p>\n The basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship and a master\u2019s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science from an accredited institution. The requirement for the master\u2019s degree can also be met by:<\/p>\n Candidates must also have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree.\u00a0<\/p>\n For pilots, the professional experience requirement may be met through the following flight experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n For medical doctors, residency training may count toward the professional experience requirement and must be completed by July 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n Astronaut candidates must pass NASA\u2019s long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since its inception, NASA\u2019s astronaut corps has represented the very best of American ingenuity, skill, and determination, carrying out missions that achieve the near impossible, expanding humanity\u2019s understanding of Earth, the Moon, and beyond.<\/p>\n As part of a Golden Age of innovation and exploration, NASA will send astronauts on increasingly difficult missions near the lunar South Pole to explore more of the Moon than ever before. In addition to providing economic benefits and advancing scientific discovery through its Artemis missions, NASA will establish an enduring human presence on the lunar surface and build on the agency\u2019s foundation for the first crewed mission to Mars.<\/p>\n Learn more about the application process and a career as a NASA astronaut at:<\/p>\n go.nasa.gov\/astro2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n -end-<\/p>\n George Alderman \/ Cheryl Warner Anna Schneider\n
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Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
george.a.alderman@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n