NASA is accepting applications for its next class of astronaut candidates who will train for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
U.S. citizens interested in joining the astronaut corps have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 3, 2026, to submit their application materials. Agency officials expect to make final candidate selections in late 2027 to begin nearly two years of training.
“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “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. Those missions will demand technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage.”
Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship and a master’s degree in a STEM field, such as engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science from an accredited institution. According to NASA officials, the master’s requirement may also be fulfilled through:
- Completion of at least two years of doctoral work in an eligible technical field.
- A medical degree, including a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Completion of, or current enrollment in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program scheduled for completion by July 2027.
Applicants must also have at least three years of related professional experience following degree completion. For pilots, qualifying flight experience can meet this requirement through:
- High-performance jet aircraft: 750 hours of pilot-in-command time.
- Other fixed-wing aircraft: 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command.
- Rotary-wing aircraft: 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command.
Candidates must also pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical. Selected applicants will join an active corps of 32 astronauts to train in spacewalking, lunar geology, robotics, and high-performance aircraft operations.
For more information: NASA.gov
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