NASA Opens Applications for New Astronaut Candidate Class

NASA opened applications for a new astronaut candidate class on November 7, 2026. Applicants have until December 3 to submit their applications.

Key details

• NASA expects to announce its selections in late 2027.
• The previous application cycle drew more than 8,000 applicants, and NASA selected 10 people in 2024.
• The material describes core eligibility criteria as U.S. citizenship, a qualifying advanced degree or accepted alternative, and relevant professional experience.
• NASA has 32 active astronauts, according to the material.

NASA expects to announce selections for the new astronaut group in late 2027.

Why it matters

NASA's previous selection cycle drew more than 8,000 applicants, while the agency chose 10 candidates. The new group will join a corps that the material lists at 32 active astronauts.