NASA has officially opened applications for its next class of astronaut candidates — and successful applicants could eventually walk on the Moon and help establish a sustainable human presence there.
Opportunity and Context
The space agency announced on November 7, 2026, during the “Max Power” air show at Kennedy Space Center, that it is seeking new astronaut candidates who will support its Artemis program, build a Moon Base, and lay the groundwork for crewed missions to Mars. Applicants have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 3, 2026, to apply, and NASA expects to make its final selections in late 2027.([space.com](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/nasa-needs-more-astronauts-for-moon-missions-and-beyond-you-can-apply-now-but-only-until-dec-3?utm_source=openai))
Who’s Eligible?
- Must be a U.S. citizen.([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/nov/08/nasa-astronauts-moon-applications-open?utm_source=openai))
- Education requirements include one of the following: a master’s degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), completion of two years of STEM doctoral study, a medical degree with appropriate experience, or completion of a recognized test pilot school by July 2027.([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/nov/08/nasa-astronauts-moon-applications-open?utm_source=openai))
- Applicants must have at least three years of relevant professional experience post-degree, or for pilots, specific flight-hour thresholds (e.g., 750 hours as pilot-in-command of a high-performance jet, 1,500 hours in other fixed-wing aircraft with 750 hours as pilot-in-command, or 1,000 hours in rotary-wing aircraft with 300 hours in command).([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/nov/08/nasa-astronauts-moon-applications-open?utm_source=openai))
- Candidates must pass a rigorous evaluation process, including long-duration astronaut flight physicals, medical and psychiatric exams, vision correction to 20/20, swimming tests, background checks, and must demonstrate the ability to live and work under harsh, confined, isolated, and dangerous conditions.([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-hiring-astronaut-applications-requirements-moon/?intcid=CNR-01-0623&utm_source=openai))
Salary and Location
The role offers a starting salary of approximately $164,395 annually. Successful candidates will be based in Houston at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where they will undergo their training.([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-hiring-astronaut-applications-requirements-moon/?intcid=CNR-01-0623&utm_source=openai))
Why It Matters
This recruitment marks a critical phase in NASA’s Artemis initiative, aiming not just to return humanity to the lunar surface but to create a sustained presence there. Selected candidates could eventually “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,” according to NASA leadership.([nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-seeks-next-generation-of-explorers-to-join-astronaut-corps/?linkId=1033309674&utm_source=openai))
Next Steps for Interested Applicants
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements (citizenship, education, experience, physical fitness).
- Submit your complete application through the USAJOBS portal before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. EST on December 3, 2026.
- If selected, be prepared to undergo a demanding evaluation and training process in Houston, potentially beginning as early as late 2027.
This is an extraordinary moment in human spaceflight — NASA is actively seeking the next pioneers ready to push the boundaries of exploration, advance lunar sustainability, and chart a path toward Mars.
