Dream of going to space? NASA is searching for its next generation of astronauts

THE TAKEAWAY: 

• NASA announced they are looking for their next class of astronauts.
• The selected candidates will train in order to operate on the Moon, work in an environment beyond Earth and venture to the lunar South Pole.
• Candidates will undergo extensive training in areas including spacewalking, lunar geology and operating a spacecraft.

NASA announced Saturday that it is looking for its next class of astronauts as the agency prepares to return Americans to the Moon, build a lunar base and lay the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars.

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According to NASA, selected astronaut candidates will train in order to operate on the Moon and live and work in an environment beyond Earth.

They could also take part in missions near the lunar South Pole, helping explore areas of the Moon that have never been visited by humans.

"This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "The people we select could walk on the Moon, live and work at the Moon Base, and help pioneer the systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars."

Since the 1960s, NASA has selected 370 people to train as astronaut candidates. Currently, the agency has 32 active astronauts.

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If selected, candidates will undergo extensive training in areas including spacewalking, lunar geology and the operation of high-performance aircraft.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet NASA's educational and professional experience requirements.

Candidates must have a master's degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science or computer science, from an accredited institution.

The requirement can also be met by completing at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in an appropriate technical field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics.

Completing a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner or related medical degree.

Completing, or currently enrolling in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program, provided the program is completed by July 2027. 

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If Test Pilot School is the applicant's only advanced technical qualification, a bachelor's degree in a STEM field is also required.

In addition to the educational requirements, candidates must have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their degree.

For pilots, the professional experience requirement may be met through 750 hours of pilot-in-command time of high-performance jet aircraft, 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command of fixed-wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command or rotary-wing aircraft.  

For medical doctors, residency training may count toward the professional experience requirement, provided it is completed by July 2027.

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Astronaut candidates must also pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Interested applicants have until 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 3, to submit their applications.

"For those who apply, becoming a NASA astronaut is more than a career opportunity," said Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. "It is a chance to join a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of discovery and play a role in the missions that will shape humanity’s future in space."