Science

NASA seeks applicants for 25th astronaut class to support Artemis program

Applications close December 3, with final selections expected in late 2027 and training beginning in early 2028.

Published Nov 8, 2026 · 19:53 UTC4 reports

The short version

NASA is accepting applications for a new astronaut class to help grow its Artemis lunar program.[Associated Press]
The agency has 32 active astronauts, and Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik said it has far more work than astronauts.[Associated Press]
Applications close December 3, with final selections expected by late 2027 and training starting by early 2028.[Associated Press]
Candidates must be U.S. citizens with college degrees and work experience, and the last call drew over 8,000 applicants.[Associated Press]

NASA announced the astronaut call on Saturday during a Kennedy Space Center air show.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
Applications are open through December 3.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
NASA's last astronaut call was two years ago and drew more than 8,000 applicants.[Associated Press]
Ten candidates made the final cut in September 2025.[Associated Press]
NASA has 32 active astronauts.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
Final selections are expected by late 2027, with training beginning by early 2028.[Associated Press]
Applicants must be U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional work experience.[Associated Press]
Jared Isaacman said selected candidates could walk on the Moon, live and work at the Moon Base, and help pioneer systems that carry crews to Mars.[The Guardian]

Final selection and training dates are planned targets, and the 2028 lunar return goal is an agency intention rather than a confirmed schedule.[Associated Press · The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.