(Credit - NASA)
NASA opens recruitment for next Moon generation with Dec 3 cutoff
NASA is opening applications for its 25th astronaut class as it pushes to expand human exploration on the Moon under the Artemis program.
With only 32 active members currently in its astronaut corps, the US space agency is facing a critical shortage of personnel for upcoming deep-space missions. Officials announced the recruitment drive during an air show at the Kennedy Space Center, urging candidates to submit applications before the December 3 cutoff.
NASA last opened applications two years ago, drawing more than 8,000 applicants before selecting 10 candidates in September 2025. Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik emphasized that the workload now heavily outweighs the agency’s existing headcount, making this recruitment wave vital for sustaining long-term lunar operations.
Selection timeline and basic eligibility
Applicants must be US citizens holding a college degree and relevant professional work experience to qualify for screening.
NASA expects to finalize candidate selections by late 2027, with the accepted class starting two years of mandatory training in early 2028. That timeline coincides with the agency’s goal to return astronauts to the lunar surface in 2028 for the first time in more than half a century.
Artemis III astronaut Frank Rubio, who holds the US record for 371 consecutive days in space, warned candidates that the role requires deep patience. Rubio pointed out that ground support, research, and mission preparation make up roughly 99 percent of an astronaut’s career, with actual spaceflight representing about 1 percent of the total experience.
Artemis flight schedule and mission goals
The new recruits will join an active flight schedule that began with April’s Artemis II lunar flyaround.
Next summer, Bresnik and three crewmates will launch into Earth orbit to test capsule docking procedures with two lunar landers built by SpaceX and Blue Origin. That orbital test serves as a dress rehearsal for Artemis IV, which aims to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole as work begins on permanent rovers, power grids, and structural bases.
How to submit your candidate profile
Qualified candidates must submit their application materials through the designated portal before the submission period closes on December 3.
- Verify that your educational credentials and professional background meet the minimum requirements for US citizenship, a college degree, and qualifying work experience.
- Complete your electronic application filing prior to the December 3 deadline.
- Await screening results, with shortlisting and evaluation proceedings leading toward final selections in late 2027.
