Want to become an astronaut? NASA opens applications; check eligibility and deadline
The programme will cover spacewalking, lunar geology, spacecraft operations, high-performance aircraft and other skills required for demanding space missions
- Nov 12, 2026,
- Updated Nov 12, 2026 1:40 AM IST
NASA has opened applications for its next class of astronauts as the US space agency prepares to return humans to the Moon, establish a sustained lunar presence and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars. The recruitment drive offers eligible US citizens an opportunity to join NASA’s astronaut corps at a crucial stage in human space exploration.
According to NASA’s November 7 announcement, applications will remain open until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on December 3. The agency expects to announce its final selections in late 2027, with successful candidates beginning astronaut training thereafter.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the selected astronauts could eventually walk on the Moon, live and work at a lunar base, and help develop the technologies and operational capabilities needed to send humans to Mars. He emphasised that these missions would require technical expertise, sound judgement, teamwork and courage.
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NASA astronaut recruitment: Who can apply?
The recruitment process is open to US citizens who meet NASA’s educational, professional and medical requirements. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field, including engineering, biological science, physical science or computer science, from an accredited institution.
NASA also accepts certain alternative qualifications, including at least two years of doctoral-level study in a relevant technical field, specified medical qualifications or completion of a recognised test pilot school programme by July 2027. Candidates qualifying through the test pilot school route must also hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM field.
Applicants must have at least three years of relevant professional experience after completing their qualifying degree. Pilots can meet the requirement through specified flight hours, depending on their aircraft experience. Medical residency training may also count if completed by July 2027.
Candidates must additionally pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
Training and future space missions
Selected candidates will undergo intensive training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The programme will cover spacewalking, lunar geology, spacecraft operations, high-performance aircraft and other skills required for demanding space missions.
ALSO READ: ISRO's Aditya-L1 detects uneven solar eruption, could improve space weather forecasts
The next astronaut class is expected to support NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to expand human exploration of the Moon, particularly around its lunar South Pole. The agency plans to use experience gained through lunar exploration to prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.
NASA last opened astronaut applications in 2024, receiving more than 8,000 applications. Ten candidates were selected in 2025. Since the programme began, NASA has selected 370 astronaut candidates and currently has 32 active astronauts.
Scott Tingle, NASA’s chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board, said becoming an astronaut represents more than a career opportunity, offering candidates a chance to contribute to discoveries that could shape humanity’s future in space.
NASA has opened applications for its next class of astronauts as the US space agency prepares to return humans to the Moon, establish a sustained lunar presence and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars. The recruitment drive offers eligible US citizens an opportunity to join NASA’s astronaut corps at a crucial stage in human space exploration.
According to NASA’s November 7 announcement, applications will remain open until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on December 3. The agency expects to announce its final selections in late 2027, with successful candidates beginning astronaut training thereafter.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the selected astronauts could eventually walk on the Moon, live and work at a lunar base, and help develop the technologies and operational capabilities needed to send humans to Mars. He emphasised that these missions would require technical expertise, sound judgement, teamwork and courage.
READ THIS: NASA unveils X-70 Fractal experimental aircraft: What makes it special and what will it test?
NASA astronaut recruitment: Who can apply?
The recruitment process is open to US citizens who meet NASA’s educational, professional and medical requirements. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field, including engineering, biological science, physical science or computer science, from an accredited institution.
NASA also accepts certain alternative qualifications, including at least two years of doctoral-level study in a relevant technical field, specified medical qualifications or completion of a recognised test pilot school programme by July 2027. Candidates qualifying through the test pilot school route must also hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM field.
Applicants must have at least three years of relevant professional experience after completing their qualifying degree. Pilots can meet the requirement through specified flight hours, depending on their aircraft experience. Medical residency training may also count if completed by July 2027.
Candidates must additionally pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
Training and future space missions
Selected candidates will undergo intensive training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The programme will cover spacewalking, lunar geology, spacecraft operations, high-performance aircraft and other skills required for demanding space missions.
ALSO READ: ISRO's Aditya-L1 detects uneven solar eruption, could improve space weather forecasts
The next astronaut class is expected to support NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to expand human exploration of the Moon, particularly around its lunar South Pole. The agency plans to use experience gained through lunar exploration to prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.
NASA last opened astronaut applications in 2024, receiving more than 8,000 applications. Ten candidates were selected in 2025. Since the programme began, NASA has selected 370 astronaut candidates and currently has 32 active astronauts.
Scott Tingle, NASA’s chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board, said becoming an astronaut represents more than a career opportunity, offering candidates a chance to contribute to discoveries that could shape humanity’s future in space.