NASA has officially opened applications for a new intake of astronauts. The selected candidates will be able to take part in future missions to the Moon, work at a lunar base and prepare technologies and operations for the first crewed flight to Mars, according to a statement from the agency.
“This is an amazing time to join NASA’s astronaut corps. The people we select will be able to walk on the Moon, live and work at a lunar base and help develop the systems and operations that will take crews to Mars,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
An astronaut’s annual salary is around 164,395 dollars. However, the requirements for candidates are quite strict. They must be US citizens and hold a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. In some cases, certain medical qualifications, doctoral degrees or test pilot training may meet the educational requirements.
At least three years of relevant professional experience is also required. Candidates must pass a NASA medical examination and demonstrate strong communication, leadership and teamwork skills.
After selection, the future astronauts face around two years of intensive training, including instruction in spacewalks, working with robotics and piloting spacecraft.
Applications will be accepted until 3 December 2026. The new class of astronauts is due to be announced at the end of 2027. By comparison, during the previous recruitment in 2024, only 10 people were selected from more than 8,000 candidates.
