NASA Opens Astronaut Applications Until Dec. 3 for Moon Base and Mars Missions
Updated
Updated · NASA · Nov 7
NASA Opens Astronaut Applications Until Dec. 3 for Moon Base and Mars Missions
3 articles · Updated · NASA · Nov 7
Summary
Dec. 3 is the deadline for U.S. citizens to apply for NASA’s next astronaut class, which the agency says could help return Americans to the Moon and prepare the first crewed Mars missions.
Late 2027 is when NASA expects to make final selections, with recruits joining 32 active astronauts and training for lunar surface work, spacewalking, geology, high-performance aircraft operations and long-duration missions.
NASA is targeting candidates with U.S. citizenship, a STEM master’s or equivalent advanced training, at least three years of relevant experience, and the ability to pass a long-duration astronaut flight physical.
More than 8,000 people applied in the last round in 2024, and NASA selected 10 candidates in 2025; since the 1960s, the agency has chosen 370 astronaut candidates in total.
With the ISS retiring in 2030, what happens to NASA's elite new recruits if commercial space stations face unexpected launch delays?
As NASA relies heavily on private companies for lunar infrastructure, could this highly competitive cohort be the last traditional government astronauts?
Beyond the grueling acceptance rate, what hidden psychological traits is NASA actually seeking to ensure survival in a permanent lunar base?