Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is seeking individuals to become astronauts and join the Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent lunar base. The space agency last hired new astronauts two years ago, leaving them with only 32 active members as they seek to expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. Interested applicants can submit their applications until December 3, with final selections expected by late 2027.

Trainees will begin their training in early 2028, the same year NASA plans to return astronauts to the moon after a half-century absence. Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik emphasized the need for more recruits, stating, "We have far more work than we have astronauts." The new class will participate in a dress rehearsal for the Artemis IV mission, scheduled for the following year, which aims to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole.

Becoming an astronaut requires U.S. citizenship, a college degree, professional work experience, and patience, as the mandatory training can take up to three years and contribute only 1% of the overall mission.