NASA Opens Applications for New Astronaut Class to Support Artemis and Moon Base Plans

Summary

NASA is accepting applications for its next class of astronauts, who will join the agency as the United States returns to the Moon, builds a Moon Base, and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars. The call was announced on Saturday at a Kennedy Space Center air show that promoted lunar exploration as well as advances in aviation and technology. Applications are due on 3 December, and the agency says successful candidates would help shape humanity's future in space, including living and working on the Moon. NASA's last call for astronauts was two years ago and drew more than 8,000 applicants, with 10 making the final cut in September 2025. The agency currently has 32 active astronauts.

Timeline

1. NASA

   7 Nov 2026, 18:11 UTCSource ↗

   NASA says applications are now open for its next class of astronauts, who will help write the next chapter of human spaceflight as America returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base, and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars.

2. South China Morning Post

   7 Nov 2026, 23:53 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that NASA is accepting applications for a new astronaut class to help grow the Artemis programme, announced on Saturday at a Kennedy Space Centre air show, where its last call two years ago drew more than 8,000 applicants and the agency has only 32 active astronauts.

3. Phys.org

   8 Nov 2026, 11:45 UTCSource ↗

   Phys.org reports that NASA is accepting applications for a new astronaut class that will help grow its Artemis program and help build a permanent lunar base.

4. The Guardian

   8 Nov 2026, 16:54 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that NASA has launched a callout for a new generation of astronauts who could live and work on the Moon, with applications due on 3 December, as the agency builds a base on the Moon and plans the first crewed missions to Mars.