{
  "id": 19186890,
  "title": "Want to be an astronaut? NASA is accepting applications for the first time in 2 years.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/want-to-be-an-astronaut-nasa-is-accepting-applications-for-the-first",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-09T17:58:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-astronaut-applications-mars-moon-2026-11"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA is opening applications for its first batch of astronauts in two years, signalling a return to the Moon and a focus on Mars exploration. The agency is seeking highly qualified candidates with a Master's degree in a STEM field or equivalent, three years of relevant work experience, and a range of exceptional skills. Applicants must demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership, teamwork, communication abilities, and the capacity to safely perform demanding missions. The selection process involves several rigorous evaluations, including drug tests, background security investigations, vision checks, medical and psychiatric exams, and a water survival test. Successful candidates will undergo two years of training, face irregular working hours, and earn an annual salary of $164,395. They will not be permitted to work remotely. NASA anticipates announcing its new class of astronauts in late 2027, after receiving over 8,000 applications from its previous talent search.",
  "summary": "NASA is hiring its next batch of astronauts. The space-bound humans could go to the moon, build a lunar base, or even head to Mars.",
  "key_points": [
    "NASA accepting astronaut applications for first time in 2 years",
    "Requires Master's degree in STEM or equivalent, 3 years experience",
    "Selection process includes drug tests, background checks, medical exams"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "NASA opens astronaut applications for first time since 2024: Check eligibility, $164,395 salary and deadline",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/nasa-opens-astronaut-applications-for-first-time-since-2024-check",
        "published": "2026-11-09T18:38:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}