NASA is hiring astronauts for future Moon missions: Who can apply, what tests must you pass and how to get selected?

Ever wondered what it takes to trade life on Earth for a job on the Moon? NASA is giving Americans a chance to find out. The space agency is accepting applications for its next astronaut class. And the selected candidates potentially taking part in future lunar missions and even living and working at a Moon base.

Applicants need the right academic qualifications, professional experience & physical fitness to meet NASA's requirements.

NASA astronaut recruitment 2026: Who can apply

The first requirement is US citizenship. Applicants must hold a master's degree in a qualifying STEM field, such as engineering, mathematics, biological science, physical science or computer science.


A master's degree is not the only route. NASA also accepts candidates who have completed at least two years of work towards a doctoral degree in a relevant technical field. Certain medical qualifications can also meet the education requirement, including Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees.

Nursing qualifications are now accepted, too. NASA spokesperson Anna Schneider told NPR that "Nursing degrees are now included in the STEM definition," adding, "Master's-level nursing degrees now meet the minimum educational requirement, whereas nursing degrees were previously excluded."

Candidates who have completed, or are enrolled in, a nationally recognised Test Pilot School programme can also qualify, provided they finish it by July 2027. Those relying on this as their only advanced technical qualification must also hold a bachelor's degree in a qualifying STEM field.

While there is no official age restriction for applicants.

How much work experience or flying time does NASA require

Applicants generally need at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree.

Pilots can meet the experience requirement through flight hours, as per NASA. The minimum depends on the type of aircraft they have flown:

High-performance jet aircraft: At least 750 hours as pilot in command

Other fixed-wing aircraft: At least 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command

Rotary-wing aircraft: At least 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command

Medical doctors can also count residency training towards the professional experience requirement. But only if they complete it by July 2027.

What physical tests must NASA astronaut applicants pass

Candidates must pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical, as per NASA's recruitment announcement, which identifies the flight physical as a requirement but doesn't provide a detailed list of individual medical tests or specify a separate written examination. The agency also looks for strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills.

How competitive is NASA's astronaut selection process

Getting selected is no easy task. NASA received more than 8,000 applications during its previous astronaut recruitment drive but chose only 10 candidates in 2025.

The agency currently has 32 active astronauts. Since the 1960s, it has selected 370 people to train as astronauts.

Those chosen for the next class will undergo two years of training before taking on astronaut duties.

What will NASA's new astronauts do

The job could involve much more than testing spacecraft. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the selected candidates could also live and work on the Moon as the agency moves towards establishing a future lunar base.

NASA is preparing for missions near the lunar South Pole and has a goal of returning humans to the Moon in 2028. The agency is relying on private companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, to develop spacecraft and systems for the effort.

During a November 7 press conference on the progress of the Artemis III mission, Isaacman said he was "very confident" the mission would launch in 2027, as quoted by NPR.

NASA astronaut salary and application deadline

NASA is offering a starting salary of $164,395. Applications will be accepted until December 3, 2026.

Interested candidates must submit their applications by the deadline to be considered. NASA expects to announce its final selections in late 2027.

So those who meet the requirements, this is a chance to join an astronaut class that could help shape NASA's next chapter of lunar exploration.