NASA has opened applications for new astronauts for the first time since 2024. The US space agency announced the recruitment drive on November 7, inviting eligible Americans to apply to join its astronaut team.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said this is an important time to join the astronaut team. He said the selected candidates could walk on the Moon, live and work at a planned Moon Base and help develop the technology and systems needed to send astronauts to Mars.
The last date to apply is December 3, 2026. Interested candidates must submit their applications through the US government's official job portal. Applicants can find the form here: NASA astronaut job application.
Candidates must pass a medical examination. They must be physically fit and able to complete NASA's long-duration spaceflight astronaut physical.
NASA does not have a fixed age limit for astronaut applicants. People of different ages can apply as long as they meet the education, work experience and medical requirements.
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The salary could change in 2027 or 2028. The final amount may therefore be different from the current figure.
The latest recruitment drive will bring a new group of candidates into NASA's astronaut programme. Those selected will join the agency as it prepares for future Moon missions, a planned lunar base, trips to Mars and continued work in low-Earth orbit.
