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Space·2 min read

NASA Opens Astronaut Applications for Artemis Moon Base Missions

NASA is recruiting a new astronaut class for Artemis and Moon Base missions, with applications open until December 3, 2026, as it also opens bidding for CLPS 2.

An astronaut in a white spacesuit stands on the gray lunar surface with Earth visible in the dark sky.
Image: Gizmodo
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NASA has opened applications for a new class of astronauts who will train to live and work on the Moon. The agency says it is looking for "the explorers who will help write the next chapter of human spaceflight," and candidates have until 11:59 PM EST on December 3, 2026, to apply through NASA's website.

Those selected will join NASA as the United States returns to the Moon, builds the Moon Base and lays the groundwork for the first crewed missions to Mars. According to the agency, they will train to operate on the lunar surface, live and work beyond Earth, and take on missions that push the boundaries of human exploration. NASA plans to select the new astronauts in late 2027.

Who can apply

The requirements are strict. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a master's degree in a STEM field, such as engineering, biological science, physical science or computer science, from an accredited institution. The application window is short: less than a month remains.

Eight companies in line for lunar deliveries

Alongside the call for astronauts, NASA announced it has opened bidding to eight companies for future lunar surface delivery missions. The work falls under the second phase of its Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, known as CLPS 2. The list includes SpaceX, Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin Space. Boeing, whose Starliner program has been plagued with issues, is not among them.

NASA describes CLPS 2 as a 10-year, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity master contract with a combined maximum value of $10 billion. Winning companies will provide lunar delivery services, including managing, building and operating landers that carry NASA science, technology and infrastructure payloads to the Moon.

The announcement came a day after Elon Musk posted that he expects government contracts to fall to roughly 5% of SpaceX's revenue within a year. The new bidding round suggests federal lunar work will remain a significant opportunity for the companies involved.

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Tags:nasaartemismoon baseclpsspacexastronauts

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