NASA opens applications for its 25th astronaut class

NASA has opened applications for its 25th astronaut class, announcing the search at the Max Power event at Kennedy Space Center, NASASpaceflight said. It is NASA’s first astronaut application round in two years.

The previous class, NASA’s 24th, was announced in 2025 and included 10 astronaut candidates. NASA says the new recruits will train for operations in low Earth orbit and on the lunar surface, as well as future Artemis missions.

Who can apply

NASA requires applicants to be US citizens with a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field. In place of the degree, applicants can qualify with two years of work toward a doctorate in one of those fields, a completed medical degree or an accredited test pilot school program.

Applicants also need at least 3 years of related professional experience after completing their degree. Pilots can instead qualify with at least 1,000 hours as pilot in command, including at least 850 hours in high-performance jet aircraft. Everyone must be able to pass NASA’s medical examination for long-duration spaceflight.

Applying and training

Applications must be submitted through the listing on USAJobs.gov by 3 December 2026, with selection expected in late 2027. NASA is also planning a base on the lunar surface and says the new astronauts will be prepared to fly on lunar missions.