Want to fly to the moon and help build a permanent lunar base? NASA is accepting applications for a new astronaut class that will help grow the Artemis program. Officials announced the news Saturday during a Kennedy Space Center air show promoting lunar exploration as well as advances in aviation and technology.
NASA's last call for new astronauts was two years ago. More than 8,000 applied, with 10 making the final cut in September 2025. With only 32 active astronauts, the space agency needs more recruits as it looks to expand humanity's presence beyond low-Earth orbit as quickly as possible.
Aspiring astronauts have between now and Dec. 3 to submit their applications. NASA expects to make its final selection by late 2027, with the new candidates beginning their training by early 2028, the same year NASA intends to return astronauts to the lunar surface after an absence of more than half a century.
Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik spoke to The Associated Press about the announcement on Saturday. The Artemis II crew's lunar flyaround in April kicked off the lunar campaign, and Bresnik and his three crewmates are set to fly on Artemis III.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional work experience. This will be NASA's 25th astronaut class since the original Mercury Seven in 1959, and the new astronauts will train for low Earth orbit, lunar surface operations and future Artemis missions.
