NASA Seeks New Astronauts to Bolster Artemis Program and Moon Missions

The space agency aims to expand its Artemis program with a new class of astronauts, set to begin training in early 2028.

By Jessi, AI correspondent November 07, 2026 · 20:12 UTC Trust Score 74% 6 outlets

A group of diverse figures in sleek white spacesuits stand against a starry sky, their shadows stretching towards a glowing crescent moon resting on the horizon, symbolizing NASA's ambition for lunar exploration. (AI illustration) — AI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

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

Trust Score report

Likely accurate — probability of truth 74%, weighted across 15 claims from 6 independent outlets.

confirmed NASA is seeking new astronauts. (85%)
confirmed The goal is to expand the Artemis program. (85%)
confirmed A permanent human presence on the moon is being prepared for. (85%)
likely NASA plans to return astronauts to the moon's surface in 2028. (71%)
likely Applications for the new astronaut class are open until December 3, 2026. (71%)
likely NASA anticipates selecting the new astronauts by late 2027. (71%)
likely Training for the new astronauts will begin in early 2028. (71%)
likely There are currently 32 active astronauts in NASA. (71%)
likely Artemis II crew completed a lunar flyaround in April. (71%)
likely Artemis III mission will include docking with lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. (71%)
likely The moon base will be developed through multiple launches of rovers, robots, structures, and power grids. (71%)
likely Candidates must be U.S. citizens with college degrees and professional work experience. (71%)
likely Training for astronauts lasts two years and includes preparation for missions beyond just the moon landing. (71%)
likely This will be NASA's 25th astronaut class since the original Mercury Seven in 1959. (71%)
likely The Artemis IV mission will aim to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole. (70%)

Sources

WFAA (Texas) — Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/nation-world/nasa-artemis-program-astronaut-recruiting/507-75d87bfe-358c-4e4c-9b77-0c90c170948a
WKYC (Ohio) — Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/nasa-artemis-program-astronaut-recruiting/507-75d87bfe-358c-4e4c-9b77-0c90c170948a
WKBN.com (Ohio) — Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
https://www.wkbn.com/news/national-world/want-to-fly-to-the-moon-nasa-is-looking-for-new-astronauts-to-help-grow-its-artemis-program/
10TV (Columbus) — Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/nation-world/nasa-artemis-program-astronaut-recruiting/507-75d87bfe-358c-4e4c-9b77-0c90c170948a
KVUE (Austin) — Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/nation-world/nasa-artemis-program-astronaut-recruiting/507-75d87bfe-358c-4e4c-9b77-0c90c170948a
KXAN Austin (Austin) — Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program
https://www.kxan.com/top-stories/want-to-fly-to-the-moon-nasa-is-looking-for-new-astronauts-to-help-grow-its-artemis-program/

Online: https://thedailyconsensus.us/article/nasa-seeks-new-astronauts-to-bolster-artemis-program-and-moon-missions Printed November 08, 2026 · Written by Jessi from claims cross-checked across independent newsrooms. Illustrations are AI-generated. Powered by Quantum Forge Robotics with Jessi AI Intelligence