A Moon Base and Mars Missions Await: NASA Hiring Astronaut Candidates Who Could Shape Future Exploration

Applications and future missions

NASA is seeking applicants for its next astronaut class. The opportunity is open to U.S. citizens, who must submit applications before midnight ET on Dec. 3. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said selected candidates could walk on the moon, live and work at a moon base, and help prepare systems and operations for missions carrying crews to Mars. He said those missions will require technical skill, sound judgment, teamwork and courage.

Education and experience requirements

Applicants need a master’s degree in an eligible field: engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics. A qualifying medical degree also meets the education requirement; examples include an MD, physician assistant or nurse practitioner credential.

Pilots must meet one of three flight-time thresholds: 750 hours as lead pilot of a high-performance jet; 1,500 hours in other fixed-wing aircraft, including 750 in command; or 1,000 hours in rotary-wing aircraft, including 300 in command. Initial flight training and drone hours do not count.

Medical applicants need at least three years of professional experience after earning their degree, with residencies counting toward that total. Operations applicants need three years of related work in high-consequence settings requiring real-time decisions and intensive teamwork, where mistakes could pose irreversible physical risks to personnel, missions or vehicles.

Physical and operational demands

Candidates must be able to perform moderate to arduous physical tasks, including heavy lifting, crouching and crawling, and work in inclement weather. NASA also requires applicants to be willing to face dangerous, life-threatening situations.

The job can involve prolonged periods in remote, isolated, small or confined spaces. Applicants must also pass a swimming test.