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NASA is currently accepting applications for its next class of astronauts for the first time in two years. The space agency announced that it is searching for candidates who will travel to the moon, contribute to the planned 2032 Moon Base, and help build the systems necessary for the first mission to Mars.
What It Takes to Be an Astronaut
Applicants must be United States citizens and ideally hold a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or math field. Candidates are required to submit an application package featuring a long-form resume and five references, pass a long-duration astronaut flight physical, and demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Those without a master’s degree can satisfy the education requirement by completing at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in a STEM discipline, finishing a medical degree, or completing or enrolling in a nationally recognized test pilot school program. Candidates must also possess a minimum of three years of related professional experience. Individuals whose only advanced technical degree is from a test pilot school must additionally hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. Medical doctors in residency training can use that experience to meet the professional requirement, provided the training is completed by July 2027.
Pilot Qualifications and Job Details
Pilots can satisfy the professional experience requirement by accumulating 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in a high-performance jet aircraft, 1,500 total flight hours with 750 pilot-in-command hours in other fixed-wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours with 300 pilot-in-command hours in a rotary-wing aircraft. According to the federal government’s official employment website, USAJOBS, selected candidates will report for duty at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston and receive a yearly salary of $164,395. The role requires extensive travel, which NASA defines as 76% or more.
Application Deadline and Training
Eligible candidates have until December 3 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time to submit their applications. Successful applicants will undergo approximately two years of training covering robotics, leadership, lunar geology, and spacewalking. Upon finishing training, candidates become eligible for spaceflight assignments while serving as active astronaut corps members with duties that may include supporting astronauts in space or assisting in the development of new spacecraft.
