NASA Seeks New Astronauts to Bolster Artemis Program and Moon Missions

NASA has announced its intention to recruit new astronauts, marking a significant step towards expanding the Artemis program and preparing for a permanent human presence on the moon. This initiative comes at a time when NASA is planning to return astronauts to the moon's surface in 2028, aiming to establish a sustainable lunar exploration program that includes multiple launches of rovers, robots, structures, and power grids to develop a moon base.

The applications for the new astronaut class opened on November 1, 2023, and will remain open until December 3, 2026. NASA expects to select the new astronauts by late 2027, following which they will undergo rigorous training that lasts approximately two years. This training regimen is designed not only to prepare candidates for the moon landing but also for potential missions beyond the lunar surface.

Currently, there are 32 active astronauts in NASA’s ranks, and the new recruits will join this elite group. The selection process is competitive, requiring applicants to be U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional work experience. These qualifications ensure that the chosen individuals possess the necessary skills and background to undertake the challenging tasks ahead.

The Artemis program has already seen significant milestones, such as the successful completion of a lunar flyaround by the Artemis II crew in April. Additionally, the Artemis III mission is poised to include docking with lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, further cementing the collaborative nature of these ambitious endeavors. Looking ahead, the Artemis IV mission aims to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole, continuing the exploration of this fascinating celestial body.

This recruitment drive marks NASA’s 25th astronaut class since the original Mercury Seven in 1959, highlighting the enduring legacy and continuous evolution of the space agency’s quest for knowledge and exploration. As the world watches with anticipation, the new astronauts will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space travel and scientific discovery.

What we know

• NASA is seeking new astronauts to expand the Artemis program. ¹²³⁴⁵⁶
• The goal is to return astronauts to the moon's surface in 2028. ³⁶
• Applications for the new astronaut class are open until December 3, 2026. ³⁶
• NASA anticipates selecting the new astronauts by late 2027. ³⁶
• Training for the new astronauts will start in early 2028. ³⁶
• There are currently 32 active astronauts in NASA. ³⁶
• The Artemis II crew completed a lunar flyaround in April. ³
• The Artemis III mission will include docking with lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. ³
• The moon base will be developed through multiple launches of rovers, robots, structures, and power grids. ³⁶
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional work experience. ³⁶
• Training for astronauts lasts two years and includes preparation for missions beyond just the moon landing. ³
• This will be NASA's 25th astronaut class since the original Mercury Seven in 1959. ³⁶
• The Artemis IV mission will aim to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole. ⁶