EST on Thursday, Dec. 3.
The agency wants candidates who will operate on the lunar surface, live and work beyond Earth, and prepare for crewed missions to Mars. American citizens are invited to submit their applications via the official website to contribute to the upcoming era of crewed space travel as the nation heads back to the Moon, constructs the Moon Base, and prepares the foundation for initial crewed journeys to Mars.
During this period of remarkable technological progress and discovery, NASA will dispatch spacefarers on progressively complex expeditions close to the lunar South Pole in order to investigate a greater portion of the Moon than previously achieved. Selected applicants will join the ranks of active personnel to study spacewalking, lunar geology, operations of high-performance aircraft, and more.
“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Isaacman pointed out that the chosen candidates might set foot on the Moon, reside and operate at the Moon Base, and assist in developing the technologies and procedures that will eventually transport crews to Mars, highlighting that such endeavors require exceptional technical skills, reliable decision-making, collaboration, and bravery.
The agency last opened applications in 2024.
A total of 370 individuals have been chosen by NASA since the 1960s to undergo training as astronaut hopefuls for its increasingly demanding journeys. The agency currently has 32 astronauts active in the astronaut corps.
Scott Tingle further mentioned that it represents an opportunity to become part of a tradition of adventurers who have expanded the limits of exploration and take part in voyages that will define humankind’s destiny in space, pointing out that forthcoming astronaut trainees are positioned to make history and simultaneously motivate upcoming generations of researchers, technicians, and pioneers.
Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship.
For pilots, the professional experience requirement may be met through specific flight experience. High-performance jet aircraft require 750 hours of pilot-in-command time, while other fixed-wing aircraft require 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command. Rotary-wing aircraft require 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command.
Alternative qualifying paths involve finishing a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or an equivalent medical degree.
