Why is NASA recruiting astronauts trending today?
NASA is recruiting astronauts for its Artemis program, which aims to build a moon base and prepare for Mars missions. The agency is looking for explorers who can live and work on the moon and help pioneer systems for Mars.
What happened
- 3 December 2026
Applications close for NASA's next astronaut class [1]
What you need to know
NASA is looking for US citizens with a STEM master's degree or equivalent experience
Applicants must have relevant professional experience and meet specific flight or medical requirements
The selected astronauts will train for missions to the moon and Mars
The exact number of astronauts to be selected and the specific missions they will be trained for are not yet confirmed.
Background
NASA has been selecting astronauts since the 1960s, with 370 people trained for increasingly challenging missions. The agency currently has 32 active astronauts. The last recruitment was in 2024, with 10 new astronauts selected from over 8,000 applicants.
The Artemis program aims to return Americans to the moon in 2028 and build a moon base. NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027 to begin training the next class of astronaut candidates.
Applicants must meet specific requirements, including a STEM master's degree or equivalent experience, and relevant professional experience. For pilots, this includes specific flight hours, and for medical doctors, residency training must be completed by July 2027.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for NASA's astronaut program?
US citizens with a STEM master's degree or equivalent experience, and relevant professional experience.
What are the requirements for pilots applying to be astronauts?
Pilots must have 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in a high-performance jet, or equivalent flight hours in other aircraft.
When will the final selection of astronauts be made?
NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027.
Where this came from
[1] theguardian.com
Nasa seeks next generation of astronauts to live and work on the moon
Preview image from theguardian.com
[2] today.com
NASA Opens Applications for Its New Class of Astronauts
Preview image from today.com
[3] nasa.gov
NASA Seeks Next Generation of Explorers to Join Astronaut Corps
Preview image from nasa.gov
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