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

NASA is seeking new astronauts to bolster its Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent lunar base and return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972. The space agency announced the call for applications on Saturday, during a Kennedy Space Center air show celebrating lunar exploration and advancements in aviation technology.

Last year, NASA accepted applications from over 8,000 candidates, ultimately selecting 10 for the final astronaut class in September 2025. Currently, there are only 32 active astronauts on NASA's roster, prompting the urgent need for more recruits to support ambitious lunar missions.

Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik highlighted the agency's shortage of astronauts, stating, "We have far more work than we have astronauts." Potential candidates have until December 3 to submit their applications, with selections expected by late 2027. Training for the new recruits is set to begin in early 2028, coinciding with the planned return to the lunar surface after a half-century hiatus.

The Artemis program will involve multiple missions, starting with a crewed flight around the moon in April (Artemis II) to test critical technologies and procedures. The subsequent Artemis IV mission, scheduled for the following year, will attempt to land two astronauts near the moon's south pole, marking the first such endeavor in decades.

To become an astronaut, applicants must be U.S. citizens with at least a college degree and relevant professional experience. NASA's astronaut training program is rigorous and lengthy, with candidates undergoing two years of intensive instruction. While a significant portion of this training won't directly involve lunar missions, it is crucial for contributing to the broader goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the moon.