The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has officially opened applications for a new astronaut selection; the agency it says in a statement. Selected candidates will be able to land on the Moon, work at a future lunar base and take part in preparations for a crewed mission to Mars.
“This is an extraordinary time to join the NASA astronaut corps. The people we select will be able to walk on the Moon, live and work at a lunar base and help develop the systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
The position carries an annual salary of about $164 395. Candidates must be US citizens and hold a masters degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); the requirements can also be satisfied by medical qualifications, a doctoral degree or test pilot training.
At least three years of relevant professional experience are required, and for pilots a specified number of flight hours is taken into account. Applicants must also pass NASA’s medical examination and demonstrate communication, leadership and teamwork skills.
The selection will include about two years of intensive training covering spacewalks, robotics and spacecraft operations. Competition is expected to be high: in the previous selection in 2024, just 10 people were chosen from more than 8,000 applicants.
Applications are open until 3 December 2026, and the new astronaut class will be announced in late 2027. The announcement also applies to Ukrainian specialists in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) the high salaries and strict requirements may intensify international competition for talent.
