NASA is searching for a new generation of astronauts who could help establish humanity’s first long-term presence on the Moon and eventually participate in the first crewed missions to Mars. In a November 7, 2026 announcement, the space agency officially opened applications for its next astronaut candidate class, offering qualified Americans an opportunity to become part of the future of human space exploration.
As NASA advances its Artemis program and plans for a permanent Moon Base, future astronauts will need to master an increasingly sophisticated collection of technologies, including advanced spacecraft systems, robotic exploration vehicles, spacesuits, scientific instruments, and life-support equipment designed for extended missions beyond Earth.
NASA is seeking candidates with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, or aviation, along with the leadership, communication, and teamwork skills needed to operate in challenging environments.
Applicants generally must be U.S. citizens with an advanced technical degree or an accepted equivalent qualification, at least three years of relevant professional experience or qualifying flight experience, and the ability to pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut physical examination. The competition is extremely selective: during its previous recruitment, NASA received more than 8,000 applications and selected just 10 astronaut candidates in 2025.
Those chosen for the next class, expected to be announced in late 2027, will undergo approximately two years of intensive training covering spacewalking, lunar geology, spacecraft operations, and high-performance aircraft. NASA has selected 370 astronaut candidates since the 1960s, and its current astronaut corps includes 32 active members.
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