NASA is recruiting astronauts to live on its moon base

NASA is recruiting a new class of astronauts who could help build and eventually live and work at its planned moon base.

The base is planned for the moon’s South Pole, with NASA aiming to establish a sustained human presence there in the coming years.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, science or mathematics, or qualifying medical or pilot qualifications.

Here’s what you need to know.

Background

This year, NASA announced a three-phase plan to establish a permanent base near the moon’s South Pole.

The first phase will focus on research and testing, with NASA and its commercial partners sending robotic missions and rovers to explore the lunar surface.

The second phase will see astronauts make more regular visits to the moon and begin building infrastructure, including power systems and habitats.

The final phase involves establishing a sustained human presence, with astronauts living and working on the moon for longer periods.

Candidates

NASA is now recruiting a new group of astronauts to train and participate in its three-phase plan.

Their work will include testing new spacecraft and habitats, developing technology and helping prepare the infrastructure needed for a permanent lunar base.

Successful candidates could also join crews living and working on the moon, with future missions to Mars also part of NASA’s long-term plans.

“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.”

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet one of several education or experience requirements.

These include a master’s degree in a relevant science or engineering field, a qualifying medical doctorate, or specialised test pilot training.

Pilots must also meet minimum flight-hour requirements.

The last time NASA opened recruitment for astronauts was in 2024.

The next year, it selected 10 candidates from more than 8,000 applicants.

What’s next?

Applications close on 3 December, with NASA expecting to announce its final selections by late 2027.

The successful candidates will then undergo around two years of training before becoming eligible for spaceflight assignments.