The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has opened astronaut applications for eligible US citizens, with submissions due by December 3 for a class supporting future lunar exploration.
Applications opened on Saturday through the federal government’s USAJOBS website. Candidates must submit their completed materials by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.
NASA expects to select its 25th astronaut class in late 2027. Its tentative schedule places the start of training at Johnson Space Centre in Houston during winter 2027–28.
Applicants generally need a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics from an accredited institution, plus at least three years of related professional experience.
Alternative educational routes include two years of qualifying doctoral study, specified medical qualifications or an eligible test pilot school programme. Candidates using the test pilot school route must complete that programme by July 2027. Those relying on it as their only advanced technical qualification also need a qualifying bachelor’s degree.
Pilots can meet the experience requirement through one of three routes:
- High-performance jets: 750 hours as pilot in command.
- Other fixed-wing aircraft: 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 as pilot in command.
- Rotary-wing aircraft: 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 as pilot in command.
All candidates must pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said.
Selected candidates undertake approximately two years of training in skills including spacewalking, robotics, lunar geology and high-performance aircraft operations. Successful completion makes them eligible for spaceflight assignments.
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NASA links the recruitment drive to its Artemis programme, plans for a sustained lunar presence and preparations for eventual crewed missions to Mars. Isaacman said selected candidates could work on the Moon and help develop future exploration systems.
More than 8,000 people applied during the previous recruitment round in 2024. NASA selected 10 candidates in 2025, and they are completing their training. Its active astronaut corps currently has 32 members.
Under the tentative selection timetable, NASA plans initial interviews in spring 2027 and final interviews during the summer.
