Astronaut candidates accepted into NASA’s newly opened recruitment cycle will receive a salary between $164,395 and $164,395 per year, according to Mashable.
NASA opened applications for its next class of astronauts on November 7, 2026, targeting candidates who will train to operate on the lunar surface, live and work beyond Earth, and participate in crewed missions to Mars. U.S. citizens can submit their completed application materials until 11:59 p.m. EST on December 3, 2026.
The recruitment launch was accompanied by a promotional video featuring NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Andre Douglas, Deniz Burnham, Randy Bresnik, Kayla Barron, Jack Hathaway, and Chris Williams.
“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, adding that selected individuals could walk on the Moon and help pioneer systems for Mars.
Gizmodo reported that the agency expects to make its final selection in late 2027. The last application window opened in 2024, leading to more than 8,000 applications and the subsequent selection of 10 astronaut candidates in 2025 who are currently completing nearly two years of training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship and a master’s degree in a STEM field—including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science—from an accredited institution. Alternative qualifications include completing a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or a related medical degree.
Candidates must also have at least three years of related professional experience after finishing their qualifying degree, or specific flight hours for pilots, such as 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in high-performance jet aircraft, 1,500 total flight hours with 750 as pilot in command for other fixed-wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours with 300 as pilot in command for rotary-wing aircraft.
Medical doctors may count residency training toward this professional experience requirement if completed by July 2027. Additionally, applicants must pass a long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
“For those who apply, becoming a NASA astronaut is more than a career opportunity,” said Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at the Johnson Space Center. “It is a chance to join a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of discovery and play a role in the missions that will shape humanity’s future in space.”
While remote work is unavailable for the role, Mashable said that relocation fees to Houston may be covered by NASA.
In a separate announcement regarding future infrastructure, NASA opened bidding for contracts under the second phase of its Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Companies on the list to provide lunar surface delivery services and operate landers include SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin Space.