NASA opens applications for its next astronaut class, with selection expected in late 2027

7 November 2026

NASA has invited applications to join its astronaut corps, with the window closing at 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, 3 December, and the final selection expected in late 2027. An applicant must be a United States citizen and hold a master's degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field, or two years of doctoral work in a technical field, or a medical degree, or test pilot school training. Three years of related professional experience after the qualifying degree is required; pilots may instead count flight hours, 750 hours as pilot in command of a high-performance jet being one route. Candidates must also pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical. Scott Tingle, the Chief Astronaut, chairs the Astronaut Selection Board at the Johnson Space Center, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson both commented on the call.