NASA Opens Applications for New Class of Lunar Astronauts

NASA officials announced Saturday during a Kennedy Space Center air show that the agency is accepting applications for a new astronaut class to expand the Artemis program.

The application window closes on December 3, with final selections expected by late 2027 and training slated to begin by early 2028.

With only 32 active astronauts remaining, the space agency needs additional recruits to support upcoming lunar missions and build a permanent base.

“We have far more work than we have astronauts,” said Randy Bresnik, the commander of the Artemis III mission.

NASA last called for new astronaut applications two years ago, drawing more than 8,000 submissions before making 10 final cuts in September 2025.

The upcoming astronaut class will be the 25th in NASA history since the selection of the original Mercury Seven in 1959.

To qualify, applicants must hold United States citizenship, college degrees, and professional work experience.

Successful candidates will undergo two years of grueling training before waiting several more years for a flight assignment.

“It’s important for them to realize most of that work is not going to the moon, right?” said Frank Rubio, an Artemis III crew member holding the United States endurance record for 371 consecutive days in space.

Rubio added that going to the moon accounts for about 1 percent of an astronaut's experience.

Bresnik and his crewmates plan to blast into orbit next summer to practice docking with lunar landers built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

That mission will serve as a rehearsal for the Artemis IV mission attempting to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole.

“We’re going to have people on the moon — so don’t delay,” Bresnik said.

NASA intends to return humans to the lunar surface in 2028 after an absence of more than half a century.