NASA is looking for next‑generation astronauts! Applications for lunar and Mars missions have begun.

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched a new application process to identify the next generation of astronauts who can live and work on the Moon. Through recruitments to be carried out under the Artemis Program, candidates who will contribute to establishing a lunar base and to future crewed missions to Mars will be selected.

Those Who Will Live and Work on the Moon

NASA President Jared Isaacman said that the new astronaut recruitment coincides with a historic moment for space exploration. Isaacman noted that the selected astronauts will be able to walk on the lunar surface, live and work at the planned Lunar Base, and contribute to the development of systems that will carry humans to Mars in the future.

NASA plans to complete the final selection of new astronaut candidates in the latter part of 2027, followed by the start of the training process. The agency conducted its most recent astronaut recruitment in 2024, selecting 10 candidates in September 2025 from more than 8,000 applications.

Scott Tingle, the chief astronaut at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, also stressed that astronauthood is more than just a career opportunity. Tingle said the role offers the chance to be part of work that pushes the boundaries of space exploration and shapes humanity's future.

NASA's Active Astronaut Corps Consists of 32 Individuals

Since the 1960s, NASA has selected a total of 370 people as astronaut candidates, and 32 of them are currently serving in its active astronaut corps.

U.S. officials aim to send American astronauts back to the Moon in 2028. In this context, SpaceX and Blue Origin are also planned to support crewed lunar landing efforts.

What are NASA's Astronaut Application Requirements?

According to the criteria announced by NASA, astronaut candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants are also required to meet at least one of the following conditions:

Hold a master's degree in one of the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Possess the required professional qualifications in the field of medicine.

Having completed pilot training.

Having completed at least two years of education in a relevant doctoral program.

Candidates must also have at least three years of professional experience in relevant fields.

For pilot candidates, specific flight experience requirements are sought. Accordingly, applicants must have logged at least 750 flight hours as a responsible pilot in high‑performance jet aircraft, have a total of 1,500 flight hours in fixed‑wing aircraft, or have flown at least 1,000 hours in rotary‑wing aircraft.

Final Application Deadline: December 3.

Applications for NASA's new astronaut recruitment will be accepted until 23:59 Eastern Time on Thursday, December 3. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to participate in historic missions aimed at exploring the Moon and Mars after completing their training.