NASA has opened applications for its next astronaut class, giving U.S. citizens until 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 3, to apply. The agency expects to make its final selection in late 2027.
In its announcement of the application window, NASA links the new search for astronauts to its lunar plans, saying they will join “as America returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base, and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars.” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said:
“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.”
NASA last opened applications in 2024. From more than 8,000 applicants, it selected 10 astronaut candidates in 2025. That class is now in nearly two years of training. NASA says it has 32 active astronauts and has selected 370 people as astronaut candidates since the 1960s.
Applicants need U.S. citizenship and a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field. Two years of doctoral work, a medical degree or Test Pilot School can substitute for the master’s. Candidates also need at least three years of related professional experience after their qualifying degree. Pilots can meet that requirement with flight hours, such as 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in high-performance jets. Test Pilot School and medical residency must be finished by July 2027. Candidates must also pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical.
Scott Tingle, chief astronaut, chairs the Astronaut Selection Board at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
For anyone thinking about applying, this is about as good as a job posting gets. The people NASA picks could end up living and working on the Moon, joining just as the agency sets out to build its Moon Base. The first piece of that base is due to launch next month, with robotic missions following almost monthly from early 2027, so by the time this class finishes training there should be something up there waiting for them. If you’ve ever dreamed of going, this is the class to try for.
