The NASA logo is seen at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Houston. Karen Warren/AP hide title toggle title i Karen Warren/AP If you dream of going to the moon, now you have a chance. NASA is accepting applications for those interested in becoming astronauts. Candidates selected to be astronauts would not only test spacecraft but also live and work on the Moon at a future lunar base, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement issued Saturday. “Those missions will require technical excellence, good judgment, teamwork and courage,” the statement said. “NASA’s astronaut corps has always called upon outstanding Americans willing to take on extraordinary challenges in service to the nation.” There are currently 32 active astronauts in NASA’s astronaut corps. Since NASA missions began in the 1960s, the agency has selected 370 people to train as astronauts, according to the agency. The application process is extremely competitive. Of more than 8,000 applicants for NASA’s latest class of astronauts, only 10 candidates were selected. While any U.S. citizen can apply and there is no official age restriction, applicants will need to have a master’s degree in a STEM-related field, such as engineering or mathematics. In a recent change, a nursing degree qualifies. “Nursing degrees are now included in the STEM definition,” NASA spokesperson Anna Schneider told NPR on Sunday. “Master’s degrees in nursing now meet the minimum educational requirement, whereas previously nursing degrees were excluded.” Additionally, NASA requires a minimum of three years of related professional experience after completing a degree. Instead of a master’s degree and work experience, NASA will consider those in a doctoral program (in STEM), doctors, or pilots with extensive flight experience. FILE – This detail from a July 20, 1969 photo provided by NASA shows astronaut Neil Armstrong reflected in the visor of Buzz Aldrin’s helmet on the surface of the moon. Neil Armstrong/NASA via AP hide title toggle title i Neil Armstrong/NASA via AP If chosen, the selected astronauts will undergo training that will last two years. NASA said astronauts will prepare for critical and difficult missions, such as landing near the Moon’s South Pole. To achieve its goal of returning humans to the Moon in 2028 – the first time since 1972 – NASA is relying on private companies such as Blue Origin and SpaceX to develop systems and spacecraft. During a Nov. 7 press conference on the progress of the Artemis III lunar mission, Isaacman said he is “very confident” the mission will launch in 2027. The starting salary is $164,395 and applications will be accepted through Dec. 3.
