NASA Opens Applications for 25th Astronaut Class
The space agency needs more personnel to support lunar missions and is seeking candidates with specific experience levels.
By Ryan Carter ·
NASA received more than 8,000 applications for its most recent astronaut class, a number that illustrates the intense demand for a job that few people can hold. The agency is now accepting applications for a new group of recruits to support its expanding lunar program.
Officials announced the opening of the application window on Saturday during an air show at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marks the second time in two years that NASA has sought new astronauts. The last selection process concluded in September 2025 with ten new hires.
The space agency currently has 32 active astronauts. That number is insufficient for the workload ahead, according to Randy Bresnik, the commander for the Artemis III mission. Bresnik told the Associated Press on Saturday that the agency has far more work to do than it has people available to do it.
Prospective candidates must submit their applications by December 3. NASA plans to select the final group by late 2027. Successful applicants would begin training in early 2028, which is the same year NASA intends to send humans back to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years.
Bresnik urged potential applicants not to wait. He noted that people will be on the moon by the time these new candidates finish training. The current Artemis III crew will launch next summer to practice docking with spacecraft built by SpaceX and Blue Origin. This mission will stay near Earth and serve as a rehearsal for Artemis IV, which aims to land astronauts near the lunar south pole.
Frank Rubio, a member of the Artemis III crew, highlighted the physical demands of the role. He holds the U.S. endurance record with 371 consecutive days in space. Rubio advised candidates that patience is essential. He explained that the time actually spent on the moon will be a tiny fraction of their career. Most of their work will be preparation on the ground.
Requirements for the new class include U.S. citizenship, a college degree, and professional work experience. Candidates must complete two years of mandatory training. This will be NASA's 25th astronaut class since the original Mercury Seven selection in 1959.
