Overview
- The agency opened its application window this week and will accept submissions through 3 December 2026 for a US‑citizen only astronaut selection.
- Applicants must meet strict education and experience rules such as a STEM master’s degree or approved equivalents including certain medical degrees, two years of PhD study, or test‑pilot training plus three years’ relevant work or 750 flight hours for pilots.
- Candidates must pass NASA medical and long‑duration flight fitness screenings and show leadership, teamwork and communication skills as part of a multi‑stage review that includes interviews and tests at Johnson Space Center.
- NASA plans to review applications between December 2026 and April 2027, hold interviews in spring and summer 2027, make final selections in fall 2027, and begin training for selectees in winter 2027/2028.
- Selection into the astronaut corps does not guarantee a spaceflight assignment because much astronaut work takes place on Earth and mission flight slots are limited, a reality underlined by past rounds that drew thousands of applicants for only a handful of openings.