The possibility of living and working on the Moon is moving closer to reality, and NASA is looking for people who could help make it happen.

The U.S. space agency has opened applications for its next generation of astronauts, inviting qualified candidates to take part in the Artemis program and the next chapter of human space exploration.

The recruitment comes as NASA advances plans to return astronauts to the lunar surface, establish a Moon base, and eventually prepare for crewed missions to Mars.

Alongside its astronaut search, the agency is also expanding its commercial partnerships to develop the spacecraft and delivery systems needed to transport equipment, scientific instruments, and infrastructure to the lunar surface.

For those interested in becoming an astronaut, the opportunity comes with specific educational and citizenship requirements, as well as a limited application period. Meanwhile, major aerospace companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, are among those competing for a share of NASA’s multibillion-dollar lunar delivery program.

NASA Is Recruiting Astronauts for Its Artemis Moon Program

NASA has announced that it is searching for explorers who will help shape the future of human spaceflight. Successful applicants will join the agency as it works toward returning humans to the Moon and developing the infrastructure needed for longer-term lunar exploration.

The Artemis program is central to these ambitions. Beyond sending astronauts back to the lunar surface, NASA intends to establish a Moon base that can support future exploration and serve as part of the groundwork for eventual crewed missions to Mars.

The new astronauts will undergo extensive training to prepare for operating in the lunar environment. Their responsibilities are expected to involve living and working beyond Earth, conducting missions on the Moon, and supporting scientific and technological developments in human space exploration.

Although the idea of living on the Moon may sound like something from science fiction, NASA’s recruitment announcement means that it’s serious about finding the next batch of astronauts who are willing to explore the craggy exterior of the Moon.

Who Can Apply to Become a NASA Astronaut?

Not everyone can apply for NASA’s latest astronaut recruitment. The agency has established specific eligibility requirements, particularly concerning citizenship and educational background.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field from an accredited institution.

Accepted academic disciplines include engineering, biological science, physical science, and computer science.

These requirements tackle the technical knowledge needed for demanding space missions. Astronauts must be prepared to work with complex equipment, conduct scientific activities, and respond to challenges in environments where direct support from Earth is limited.

The application window is also relatively short. Interested candidates must submit their applications through NASA’s official website before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 3, 2026.

NASA expects to announce its selected astronaut candidates in late 2027.

When Is the Deadline for NASA’s Artemis Astronaut Applications?

The deadline for the latest NASA astronaut recruitment is December 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Applicants who meet the citizenship and educational requirements must complete the application process before the specified cutoff. Those interested in pursuing a career in human spaceflight can find the application details through NASA’s official website.

According to Gizmodo, the selection process will take considerably longer than the application period. NASA expects to identify its next group of astronaut candidates in late 2027.

This means successful applicants will still have to undergo training and preparation before becoming eligible for assignments involving future space missions.

NASA Opens $10 Billion Lunar Delivery Contract Opportunities

Recruiting astronauts is only one part of NASA’s broader lunar exploration strategy. The agency also needs reliable transportation systems capable of delivering scientific equipment, technology demonstrations, and infrastructure to the Moon.

To support these efforts, NASA has opened bidding to eight companies for contracts under the second phase of its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

Known as CLPS 2, the program is structured as a 10-year, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Its combined maximum value is $10 billion.

Companies selected under the program will be responsible for providing lunar delivery services. This includes managing, building, and operating landers designed to transport NASA payloads to the lunar surface.

The arrangement allows NASA to work with commercial providers rather than relying exclusively on government-developed transportation systems.

Through these partnerships, NASA expects support for the delivery of scientific instruments, technological equipment, and other resources needed for future lunar activities.

Meanwhile, NASA also launched the Moon Base Student challenge.

SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin Are Among the Companies Involved

Some of the biggest names in the aerospace industry are included among the companies involved in the CLPS 2 bidding process.

SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin Space are among the eight companies identified in NASA’s announcement.

Their participation highlights the growing role of private aerospace companies in government-supported space exploration.

Commercial contractors are increasingly involved in developing launch vehicles, spacecraft, lunar landers, and other technologies that support missions beyond Earth.

One notable absence from the announced list is Boeing. The company has faced challenges involving its Starliner spacecraft program, although the available announcement does not establish why Boeing was absent from the CLPS 2 group.

What Is the Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program?

The Commercial Lunar Payload Services program is a NASA initiative that uses private companies to deliver scientific and technological payloads to the Moon.

Instead of developing every lunar transportation system internally, NASA contracts commercial providers to manage the delivery process. These companies are responsible for developing and operating the landers that carry the agency’s equipment.

The second phase, CLPS 2, expands this arrangement through a 10-year contract framework with a combined maximum value of $10 billion.

The program is important because establishing a sustainable lunar presence requires more than transporting astronauts. Scientific instruments, communication systems, power equipment, and other infrastructure will also be necessary to support activities on the Moon.

Commercial lunar delivery services could therefore become an important part of NASA’s long-term exploration plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can someone apply to become a NASA astronaut?

Interested candidates can submit an application through NASA’s official website. Applicants must meet the agency’s eligibility requirements and complete the application before the December 3, 2026 deadline.

What degree is required to become a NASA astronaut?

According to the recruitment announcement, applicants must hold a master’s degree in an eligible STEM discipline from an accredited institution. These include engineering, biological science, physical science, and computer science.

Can non-U.S. citizens apply for NASA’s astronaut program?

No. The stated eligibility requirements for this recruitment specify that applicants must be U.S. citizens.

When will NASA announce its new astronauts?

NASA expects to select its next group of astronaut candidates in late 2027.

What is the purpose of NASA’s Artemis program?

The Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, develop a lunar base, and establish the foundation for future crewed missions to Mars.

Which companies are involved in NASA’s CLPS 2 program?

NASA has opened bidding to eight companies. Those identified in the announcement include SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin Space.

How much is NASA’s CLPS 2 contract worth?

The 10-year CLPS 2 contract has a combined maximum value of $10 billion. It covers commercial lunar delivery services, including the development and operation of landers.