NASA Opens Recruitment for Next Astronaut Class; Apply by Dec. 3
NASA opened applications for its next class of astronauts on November 8, 2026. U.S. citizens have until 11:59 p.m. EST on December 3 to apply, with final selection expected in late 2027. Candidates could work on the Moon under the Artemis program.
NASA opened applications for its next class of astronauts on November 8, 2026, and U.S. citizens have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 3, to apply. It is the first call since 2024.
NASA opens recruitment next for people who could train to work on the lunar surface. The agency says the new class will join as America returns to the Moon, builds what it calls the Moon Base, and prepares the first crewed missions to Mars.
The agency announced the call on Saturday during an air show at Kennedy Space Center promoting lunar exploration.
Who can apply
Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a master's degree in a STEM field, such as engineering, biological science, physical science or computer science. The degree must come from an accredited institution.
NASA lists other routes to meet that requirement. They include at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in a technical field, or a medical degree such as Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Completing a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program also counts, provided it finishes by July 2027.
Everyone also needs at least three years of related professional experience after earning the qualifying degree.
Pilots can meet that experience requirement with flight time. NASA sets the bar at 750 hours as pilot in command of a high-performance jet. Other fixed-wing pilots need 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 as pilot in command.
What NASA said
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman called it "an extraordinary time to join NASA's astronaut corps." He said the people selected "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."
NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson put it more bluntly: "The window is open. The mission is waiting."
Scott Tingle, NASA's chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at Johnson Space Center in Houston, described the job as "a chance to join a legacy of explorers."
Numbers behind the call
NASA last opened applications in 2024. More than 8,000 people applied, and 10 astronaut candidates were selected in 2025. They are still completing nearly two years of training.
Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 people to train as astronaut candidates. The agency has 32 astronauts active in the corps today.
Selected applicants will study spacewalking, lunar geology and operations of high-performance aircraft, among other subjects. NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027, when the next class of candidates begins training.
