NASA announced Saturday at the Kennedy Space Center air show that it is now accepting applications for a new astronaut class. The agency hopes to expand the Artemis program, which is focused on establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Why More Astronauts Are Needed
With only 32 active astronauts, NASA says it has “far more work than we have astronauts,” according to Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik. The agency plans to send the next group of candidates into training by early 2028, the same year it intends to land astronauts on the lunar surface again after more than 50 years.
Application Details
Prospective astronauts must be U.S. citizens, hold a college degree, and have professional work experience. Applications are open now and will be accepted through December 3. NASA expects to make its final selections by late 2027.
Training and Future Missions
The new class will undergo two years of mandatory training, followed by additional years of experience before a possible launch. “It’s important for them to realize most of that work is not going to the Moon,” said Artemis III flight engineer Frank Rubio. “That will be about 1% of your experience. What you’re doing is contributing to the mission of going to the Moon.”
Upcoming Artemis Flights
Artemis III commander Randy Bresnik and his three crewmates will launch next summer for a lunar‑orbit mission that will practice docking with landers built by SpaceX and Blue Origin. This mission serves as a dress rehearsal for Artemis IV, which aims to land two astronauts near the lunar south pole.
The Artemis program, now in its 25th astronaut class since the Mercury Seven, continues to build the infrastructure—rovers, robots, habitats, and power grids—needed for a permanent lunar base.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
