NASA says U.S. citizens can apply to join its astronaut corps until 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 3, with final selections expected in late 2027 for missions tied to the Moon Base and future Mars planning.
NASA announced on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, that applications are now open for its next class of astronauts. U.S. citizens interested in joining the corps have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 3, to submit completed materials. The agency says the new astronauts will train to operate on the lunar surface and to live and work beyond Earth as America returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base and lays groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars.
Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field such as engineering, biological science, physical science or computer science from an accredited institution, plus at least three years of related professional experience after the qualifying degree. NASA lists alternative ways to meet the degree requirement and separate experience routes for pilots and for medical doctors, whose residency training may count if completed by July 2027. Candidates must also pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical and show strong leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
NASA expects to make its final selection in late 2027, after which the chosen candidates begin training. The agency last opened applications in 2024; from more than 8,000 applications, 10 astronaut candidates were selected in 2025 and are still completing nearly two years of training. Since the 1960s NASA has selected 370 people for astronaut training, and 32 astronauts are currently active. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said those chosen could walk on the Moon and help pioneer the systems that will carry crews to Mars. The embedded video is NASA's official recruitment announcement, not footage of a mission or event, and details here come from NASA's own news release.
