NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
NASA has opened applications for a new class of astronauts to support the Artemis lunar program. The agency aims to expand its workforce to facilitate missions to the moon and beyond.
Why it matters
Recruitment for the Artemis program is critical for NASA's goal of establishing a permanent human presence on the lunar surface.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Want to fly to the moon and help build a permanent lunar base? NASA is accepting applications for a new astronaut class that will help grow the Artemis program. Officials announced the news Saturday during a Kennedy Space Center air show promoting lunar exploration as well as advances in aviation and technology. NASA’s last call for new astronauts was two years ago. More than 8,000 applied, with 10 making the final cut in September 2025. With only 32 active astronauts, the space agency needs more recruits as it looks to expand humanity’s presence beyond low-Earth orbit as quickly as possible. April’s lunar flyaround by the Artemis II crew kicked off the lunar campaign. “We have far more work than we have astronauts,” Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik told The Associated Press on Saturday. Aspiring astronauts have between now and Dec. 3 to submit their applications.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in