The U.S. space agency has opened applications for astronauts who will train to live and work at a future lunar base. They will test new spacecraft and prepare to land near the Moon’s south pole. Only U.S. citizens with scientific, engineering, medical or aviation qualifications are eligible to apply.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, followed by at least three years of professional experience. Doctoral students in scientific and technical fields, physicians and highly experienced pilots are also considered without a master’s degree and the specified work experience.
The list has been expanded this time. As NASA spokesperson Anna Schneider explained to NPR, a master’s degree in nursing now meets the minimum educational requirements, whereas such degrees were not previously accepted.
In addition to meeting the educational requirements, candidates must pass the medical examination required for long-duration spaceflight. The starting salary is $164,395 per year, or approximately $13,700 per month. Applications are being accepted through the federal jobs website USAJobs until 6:59 a.m. on December 4, Kyiv time.
U.S. citizenship remains mandatory, and there is no upper age limit. In practice, NASA astronaut candidates have been between 26 and 46 years old when selected, with an average age of around 34.
From Selection to the Lunar Base
Selection will be completed in late 2027, with training beginning in early 2028, according to collectSPACE. That same year, the agency plans to land humans on the Moon for the first time since 1972 as part of the Artemis programme.
The training course will last two years, so the new astronauts will become eligible for crew assignments around 2030. NASA plans to complete the first phase of construction of the base near the south pole in 2029. The newcomers will take part in the next phase, designed for long-duration expeditions.
