NASA announced on November 9, 2026, that applications are open for its next class of astronaut candidates, who will train for missions to the Moon and Mars.
Application Deadlines and Requirements
U.S. citizens interested in joining the astronaut corps have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 3, to submit their application documentation. NASA stated that it expects to make its final selection by late 2027 to begin training the new candidate class.
Applicants must meet basic requirements that include U.S. citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field such as engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, or computer science. The master's requirement can also be fulfilled through equivalent paths, including doctoral studies, a medical degree, or completion of a national test pilot school program by July 2027, alongside at least three years of related professional experience.
Training for the Moon and Mars
According to NASA, the selected candidates will train to operate on the lunar surface, live and work off Earth, and undertake missions that push human exploration further than ever before. Newly selected candidates will join the agency's active astronauts to train in spacewalks, lunar geology, and high-performance aircraft handling.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman stated that selected individuals could step on the Moon, live and work at the Lunar Base, and help develop systems for eventual crewed missions to Mars.
What to do
- Submit your complete application documentation through the official NASA portal at https://go.nasa.gov/3WyvlQi before 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 3.
- Ensure you meet the required qualifications, including U.S. citizenship, a qualifying degree or program completion, and at least three years of related professional experience.
Key facts and where they come from
- Applications for the next astronaut class close on Thursday, December 3.
hasta las 11:59 p.m. EST (hora del este) del jueves 3 de diciembre para enviar la documentación completa de su solicitud
- NASA plans to finalize its selection by late 2027.
La NASA prevé realizar su selección definitiva a finales de 2027 para comenzar la capacitación de la próxima promoción
- Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field.
Los requisitos básicos para presentar la candidatura incluyen la ciudadanía estadounidense y un título de maestría en un campo STEM
