NASA has started accepting applications for its upcoming astronaut candidate programme as the agency moves forward with plans to expand human activities beyond Earth. The recruitment initiative is intended to identify skilled professionals who could eventually participate in Moon missions, support lunar research and contribute to the development of a long-term human presence on the lunar surface.
The announcement, released on November 7, 2026, comes as NASA continues advancing its Artemis programme. Through this initiative, the agency aims to return astronauts to the Moon while developing the technology and infrastructure required for extended operations. The recruitment drive is also connected to NASA’s broader ambitions of preparing astronauts for eventual missions to Mars.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the importance of bringing new talent into the agency’s astronaut corps. He explained that successful applicants could have opportunities to explore the lunar surface, work at a future Moon Base and contribute to technological developments that will support human spaceflight.
The application process is open to eligible American citizens, with submissions scheduled to close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 3, 2026. NASA expects to complete its selection process in late 2027 before beginning the next stage of astronaut preparation.
Applicants must satisfy several educational and professional standards. The general requirement includes a master’s degree in a qualifying science, technology, engineering or mathematics field from an accredited institution. Relevant areas of study include engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics and computer science.
NASA also recognizes alternative academic qualifications under specific conditions. Individuals who have completed at least two years of doctoral studies in an eligible field may qualify. Certain medical degrees and approved test pilot school programmes are also accepted as alternatives.
Professional experience is another important part of the selection process. Candidates generally need a minimum of three years of relevant experience after completing their qualifying education. Applicants with suitable piloting backgrounds may also meet the requirement through specified flight-hour experience.
In addition to academic and professional qualifications, candidates must successfully complete NASA’s long-duration astronaut physical examination. The agency also looks for individuals with strong communication abilities, leadership qualities, adaptability and the capacity to work effectively as part of a team.
Those chosen for the programme will undertake approximately two years of demanding training. The preparation will cover spacecraft operations, spacewalking, lunar geology, robotics and high-performance aircraft flying. These activities are designed to develop the technical and physical abilities necessary for operating in challenging space environments.
The new recruitment campaign supports NASA’s longer-term vision of establishing a more consistent human presence on the Moon. Through the Artemis programme, the agency intends to move beyond brief lunar visits and work toward developing facilities that could accommodate astronauts during extended missions.
Creating a functioning lunar base will require considerable technological progress. Reliable electricity, communication systems, transportation equipment, scientific facilities and protective living spaces will all be important components. Astronauts could help test these systems, conduct experiments and evaluate the difficulties associated with living and working on the lunar surface.
NASA also considers lunar missions an important preparation stage for human exploration of Mars. Knowledge gained from operating on the Moon could help scientists improve life-support equipment, develop advanced spacecraft systems and understand how astronauts respond to extended missions away from Earth.
The latest hiring initiative follows NASA’s previous astronaut selection campaign, which attracted more than 8,000 applications in 2024. Ten candidates were eventually selected in 2025. Since the astronaut programme began in the 1960s, NASA has chosen 370 astronaut candidates, with 32 currently serving as active astronauts.
Being selected for astronaut training does not automatically guarantee a flight assignment. Candidates must complete the required preparation and demonstrate their ability to handle the responsibilities associated with future missions.
With the latest application period underway, NASA is seeking another group of professionals who can contribute to its evolving exploration plans. The new candidates could eventually become part of missions that reshape human activity beyond Earth, supporting the agency’s ambitions to establish a sustainable lunar presence and prepare for journeys to Mars.
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