NASA Is Hiring Astronauts: Apply by 3 December 2026
US hiring 2026: NASA is taking applications for a new astronaut class to support its Artemis Moon missions. The deadline is 3 December 2026.
USAIn brief
- NASA has opened applications for its 25th astronaut class.
- The closing date is 3 December 2026; final selection is expected by late 2027 and training by early 2028.
- Applicants must be US citizens with a college degree and professional work experience.
- NASA has 32 active astronauts; its previous call, two years ago, drew more than 8,000 applicants and 10 were chosen.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Organization | NASA |
| Last date to apply | 3 Dec 2026 |
| Official source | Gulf News (AP) – NASA is hiring astronauts ✓ gulfnews.com |
Dreaming of the Moon? NASA is recruiting a new class of astronauts to support its Artemis lunar missions, and applications close on 3 December 2026. Applicants must be US citizens with a college degree and professional experience; apply through NASA's official astronaut pages and USAJOBS.
What did NASA announce?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | NASA (US federal government) |
| Job | Astronaut candidate, 25th class |
| Application deadline | 3 December 2026 |
| Final selection | Expected by late 2027 |
| Training starts | By early 2028 |
| Active astronauts today | 32 |
NASA unveiled the recruitment drive at an air show at Kennedy Space Center. Speaking to the Associated Press, Randy Bresnik, who commands Artemis III, said there is more work than NASA has astronauts for.
How competitive is it?
Very. NASA's previous call, two years ago, attracted more than 8,000 applicants, and 10 were picked in September 2025. The new group will be the agency's 25th class, counting from the Mercury Seven of 1959.
Who can apply?
- US citizens only
- A college degree
- Professional work experience
NASA's own astronaut pages list the full degree, experience and medical requirements, so read them before you start.
What happens after selection?
New candidates face around two years of demanding training, and it may be several more years before a first launch. Artemis III's Frank Rubio, who holds the US record of 371 days in space in a row, said the trip to the Moon is only a tiny part of the job; most of the work supports the mission from the ground.
NASA plans to land astronauts on the Moon again in 2028, the year the new class should begin training.
How do I apply?
Start on NASA's official astronaut page, which links to the USAJOBS vacancy. Submit before 3 December 2026.
What it means for job seekers
- Rare chance: NASA only recruits astronauts every few years.
- Strong STEM backgrounds win: engineering, science, medicine and flight experience.
- Not a US citizen? Look at NASA contractors and other space agencies instead.
- More US hiring: Honeywell's Arizona plant to bring 600 aerospace jobs.
More openings: all USA jobs
Frequently asked questions
Is NASA hiring astronauts in 2026?
Yes. NASA is accepting applications for a new astronaut class until 3 December 2026.
Who can apply to be a NASA astronaut?
US citizens with a college degree and professional work experience. Non-US citizens cannot apply for NASA's astronaut corps.
When will NASA choose the new astronauts?
NASA expects to make its final selection by late 2027, with candidates starting training by early 2028.
How long is NASA astronaut training?
About two years of mandatory training, and it can take several more years before a first flight.
Apply only on the official site.
Never pay anyone for a job, interview or visa.
More openings: all USA jobs · jobs in every country
Follow TheJobSeek on FacebookFollowTheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
