NASA opened applications on Saturday for its next class of astronauts, saying U.S. citizens have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 3, to apply through the agency's website¹.

The agency said the class would train as the United States returns to the Moon, builds a lunar base, and prepares for crewed missions to Mars, including work on the lunar surface and operations beyond Earth¹.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said, "This is an extraordinary time to join NASA's astronaut corps"¹. The agency expects a final selection in late 2027 for training as astronaut candidates¹.

NASA last opened applications in 2024. It said more than 8,000 people applied, 10 candidates were selected in 2025, and those candidates are finishing nearly two years of training¹.

Since the 1960s, NASA said it has selected 370 people as astronaut candidates and now has 32 astronauts on active status¹. New selectees would train in areas including spacewalking, lunar geology, and high-performance aircraft operations¹.

Basic requirements listed by NASA include U.S. citizenship and an advanced technical or medical credential, including paths such as graduate work in engineering or science, specified medical degrees, or completion or enrollment in a nationally recognized test-pilot school by July 2027¹.

The announcement, NASA release 26-093, was issued from NASA Headquarters and Johnson Space Center and points applicants to go.nasa.gov/astro2026 for more on the process¹.

Sources

1. NASANASA Seeks Next Generation of Explorers to Join Astronaut Corps1:11 PM

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