NASA Just Opened Applications for Astronauts. Here’s How You Can Qualify

Think you have what it takes to become a NASA astronaut? Well, you’re in luck.

For the first time in two years, the U.S. space agency is seeking applications from those interested in joining its astronaut ranks.

The announcement comes as NASA prepares to send astronauts to both the moon and Mars under its Artemis program, where they will “take on missions that will push the boundaries of human exploration farther than ever before,” according to a press release.

“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. “The people we select could walk on the Moon, live and work at the Moon Base, and help pioneer the systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars.”

Here’s what to know about NASA’s astronaut application process, and how to know if you meet the qualifications to join the agency’s esteemed corps.

NASA Opens Up Astronaut Applications

NASA has opened astronaut applications for the first time since 2024, according to a Nov. 7 press release.

“NASA’s astronaut corps has always called on remarkable Americans willing to take on extraordinary challenges in service to the nation,” Isaacman said in his statement. “If you are ready to join that tradition, come help write the next chapter of humanity’s greatest adventure.”

Those interested have until Dec. 3 to submit an application here. NASA plans to make its final selection in late 2027.

NASA Most Recently Selected Astronaut Class in 2025

Those selected would be the latest class of recruits since 10 astronaut candidates were selected in 2025 from more than 8,000 applications, according to NASA.

The candidates – six women and four men – joined the first class of astronaut recruits in four years since 10 new astronauts were selected as part of the 2021 class.

Among the newest recruits, Anna Menon, 39, holds the distinction as the only one to have already been to outer space.

In 2024, Menon was part of a four-person crew of private astronauts who orbited Earth for five days as part of the Polaris Dawn mission. Led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, a former nominee to lead NASA, the mission reached a number of historic milestones when its crew traveled to the highest heights humans had reached in more than five decades and later completed the first-ever nongovernment spacewalk.

How Many NASA Astronauts Are There?

The 10 new astronaut candidates join 360 others recruited by NASA since seven men, including the famous John Glenn, were selected in 1959 as the original “Mercury Seven.” Prior to the new groups of recruits, NASA had selected 299 men and 61 women as candidates.

NASA lists a total of 32 active astronauts with the U.S. space agency.

What Are the Requirements to Become a NASA Astronaut?

Candidates have a number of qualifications to meet to be recruited as a NASA astronaut:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Have at minimum a master’s degree in a STEM field, completion of or enrollment in a test pilot program, or two years of work toward a doctorate;
• Have at least three years of professional experience related to the degree or 1,000-1,500 total flight hours as a pilot;
• Be able to complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.

There are no age requirements for astronauts, according to NASA, which added that candidates selected in the past have ranged between the ages of 26 and 46.

How Much Money Do Astronauts Make?

NASA lists the salary for astronauts as $164,395, but added that the rate “will be adjusted to reflect any increase in 2027/8.”

What Could Next Astronauts Do? NASA Missions to Moon, Mars Ahead

In the years ahead, NASA’s spacefarers are due to reach the moon under the agency’s Artemis program. NASA has announced plans for a multibillion-dollar moon base, where rotating crews of astronauts can live and work long-term while preparing for humanity’s next great leap: crewed trips to Mars.

NASA also regularly selects its astronauts for routine trips to the International Space Station. Though the outpost is due to be retired in the 2030s, NASA is seeking partnerships with companies building commercial space stations to ensure its astronauts retain access to low-Earth orbit.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]

Reporting by Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect