CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) – NASA has announced that it is accepting applications for a new astronaut class to support the Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent lunar base. The announcement was made during an air show at Kennedy Space Center, aimed at promoting lunar exploration alongside advancements in aviation and technology.
This call for new astronaut candidates comes after the last recruitment round took place two years ago, during which over 8,000 individuals applied, with only 10 being selected in September 2025. Currently, NASA has only 32 active astronauts, highlighting the agency's need for additional recruits as it aims to accelerate humanity’s presence beyond low-Earth orbit.
According to Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik, the demand for astronauts far exceeds the current supply, stating, “We have far more work than we have astronauts.” The need for more personnel is pressing as NASA ramps up its lunar campaign following the Artemis II crew's recent lunar flyaround in April, signaling the beginning of a renewed commitment to lunar exploration.
Aspiring astronauts have until December 3 to submit their applications. NASA plans to announce the final selection of candidates by late 2027, with the new astronaut trainees expected to begin their training in early 2028. This timeline aligns with NASA's goal to return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in over fifty years.
Bresnik encouraged potential candidates not to hesitate, saying, “By then we’re going to have people on the moon.” He and his three crewmates are scheduled to launch into orbit next summer to rehearse docking with two lunar landers constructed by SpaceX and Blue Origin. Their mission will remain close to Earth, serving as a preparation exercise for the Artemis IV mission planned for the following year, which aims to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole.
The development of a lunar base is expected to unfold alongside the launch of additional rovers, robots, structures, and power grids, solidifying a human presence on the moon.
As noted by Frank Rubio, also part of the Artemis III mission and holder of a U.S. endurance record for spending 371 consecutive days in space, patience is key to becoming an astronaut. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, possess college degrees, and have relevant professional experience. The rigorous two-year training program can be quite challenging, with trainees potentially facing several more years before they actually travel to space.
Rubio emphasizes that for candidates, most of the work will not involve trip to the moon directly, explaining, “That will be about 1% of your experience. What you’re doing is contributing to the mission of going to the moon.” This recruitment marks NASA's 25th astronaut class since the inception of the original Mercury Seven in 1959.
