NASA seeks new astronauts for Moon Base; applications close Dec. 3

What happened

NASA is taking applications for its next class of astronauts, the agency said Saturday. U.S. citizens have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 3, to apply. Officials announced the call during an air show and tech expo at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, AP reported. NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027.

Who can apply: Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a master's degree in a STEM field, such as engineering, biological or physical science, or computer science. NASA also accepts two years of doctoral work, a medical degree such as an M.D. or D.O., or test pilot school finished by July 2027. Candidates need at least three years of related experience after their degree. Pilots can qualify with 750 hours as pilot in command of high-performance jets. All must pass NASA's long-duration flight physical.

By the numbers: NASA last opened applications in 2024. More than 8,000 people applied, and 10 were selected in 2025. That works out to roughly one pick for every 800 applicants. Those 10 are still in nearly two years of training. Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 astronaut candidates.

Why it matters

This class will train for the next phase of the Artemis program, including work at a planned Moon Base and groundwork for crewed Mars missions, NASA said. The agency has only 32 active astronauts. "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 Administrator Jared Isaacman said. AP noted that April's lunar flyaround by the Artemis II crew kicked off the lunar campaign.

What’s next

Applications are taken through NASA's astronaut site at go.nasa.gov/astro2026. A selection board chaired by chief astronaut Scott Tingle will review them. "The window is open. The mission is waiting," Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson said.