NASA opens applications for its 2027 astronaut class

NASA has opened applications for its next astronaut class. The U.S. space agency began accepting applications on November 7 and lists December 3, 2026, as the closing date. The federal vacancy notice requires U.S. citizenship. [evidence-1] [evidence-2]

NASA expects to interview finalists in the summer of 2027 and announce the class that fall under its tentative schedule. Candidates will train for about two years, including in spacewalking and robotics. Those who complete training can join the active astronaut corps and qualify for flight assignments, which NASA does not guarantee. [evidence-1] [evidence-2]