NASA is seeking new astronauts for the Moon and Mars / American candidates can submit their applications by December 3, 2026

NASA launched a new astronaut recruitment campaign on November 7 for future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon and Mars. Candidates have until December 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to submit their applications through the federal USAJOBS platform, while those selected are expected to be announced in fall 2027.

The positions are available exclusively to U.S. citizens. Applicants must generally hold a master’s degree in a STEM field and have at least three years of relevant professional experience. NASA also accepts doctoral degrees, medical degrees or training from recognized test pilot schools. Candidates must pass medical examinations and demonstrate communication, leadership and teamwork skills.

NASA estimates an annual salary of $164,395. Applications will be evaluated in the first months of 2027, while interviews and final tests are scheduled for spring and summer. Training for the new class will begin in winter 2027–2028 and last approximately two years. The recruitment is part of the Artemis program, through which the agency aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and prepare missions to Mars. In the previous selection, NASA chose ten astronauts from more than 8,000 candidates.