NASA Seeks New Astronauts for Future Moon and Mars Missions

NASA has opened its doors once again, inviting applications for a new class of astronauts. This opportunity, the first of its kind in four years, aims to bolster the agency's ambitious plans to return humans to the Moon and eventually set foot on Mars. With the application deadline set for April 2, American citizens holding a master’s or doctoral degree in a STEM field are encouraged to apply.

The call for applications comes at an exciting time, as NASA recently celebrated the graduation of its latest astronaut class at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The ceremony honored ten astronauts, ready for flight assignments, selected from over 12,000 applicants in 2021. These new astronauts are now eligible for various missions, including the International Space Station, future commercial space stations, and as part of the Artemis missions to the Moon.

Applicants will undergo rigorous testing, including drug screening and a comprehensive assessment of their mental and physical health. The training for the selected candidates will cover basic astronaut skills such as robotics, spacewalking, spacecraft operations, and teamwork. Beyond their space missions, astronauts are expected to engage in NASA events and serve as agency representatives.