NASA opens astronaut candidate applications, annual salary $164,395
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on November 7 that it is opening applications for the next astronaut candidate class. U.S. citizens may submit complete application materials by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 3, 2026. NASA expects to complete final selections by the end of 2027, and those selected will begin about two years of astronaut candidate training.
The position pays an annual salary of $164,395 (based on the 2026 salary table) and is located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Those selected will initially be appointed for a 30-month term as astronaut candidates, and will convert to permanent positions after completing training. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a master's degree in engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences or computer science (or equivalent qualifications), have relevant professional experience or meet pilot flight-hour requirements, and must pass NASA's long-duration spaceflight physical exam.
This recruitment is aimed at preparation for future lunar surface operations, lunar base stays and crewed Mars missions. NASA currently has 32 active astronauts, and a total of 370 astronaut candidates have been selected historically.
Original sources:
Title: NASA Seeks Next Generation of Explorers to Join Astronaut Corps Publisher: NASA Publication date: 2026-11-07 URL: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-seeks-next-generation-of-explorers-to-join-astronaut-corps/ Source type: official announcement Verification status: the full text was read in this instance, verification date 2026-11-08, publicly accessible Supported content: supports facts such as application opening, deadline, selection timing, basic qualification requirements and mission direction
Title: Astronaut Candidate Publisher: USAJOBS (NASA job posting) Publication date: 2026-11-07 (opened) URL: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/891970300 Source type: official document Verification status: key paragraphs of the job details were read in this instance, verification date 2026-11-08, publicly accessible Supported content: supports specific conditions such as the $164,395 annual salary, work location, appointment type and travel requirements
ABAB AI Insight
This recruitment by NASA is the first time applications have reopened since 2024. In the previous round, 10 people were selected from more than 8,000 applications, and the selections were announced in September 2025; they are still completing nearly two years of training. This new class is the 25th astronaut candidate class in history. Administrator Jared Isaacman made clear in the announcement that those selected may take part in moonwalks, lunar base stays, and the development of systems and operations that pave the way for crewed Mars missions.
On compensation, astronaut candidates are paid according to the federal employee salary table, and $164,395 corresponds to the 2026 salary level, with the location being NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. After training is completed, they can obtain permanent positions, and pay will change with federal salary adjustments and grade promotions. Unlike commercial space companies, NASA does not provide hazard pay or overtime; while in orbit, pay is based on a standard workweek, and transportation, lodging and meals are covered by official travel.
A comparable case is the class selected in 2025. At that time, a STEM master's degree or equivalent qualification plus relevant experience was also required, and 10 people were ultimately selected. What is different this time is that the current announcement points more explicitly to lunar base and Mars preparation scenarios, and it includes nursing degrees within the scope of STEM equivalency. Historically, each class has received thousands to tens of thousands of applications, and the final selection rate is extremely low.
What this opening changes is NASA's public recruitment window and mission positioning for the next astronaut candidate class. It does not change the current roster of 32 active astronauts or the progress of the class already in training. The indicators to watch are the total number of applications after the December 3 deadline, as well as the number of final selections and background composition announced by the end of 2027, especially the proportions of pilots versus those with research or medical backgrounds.
ABAB News · Cognitive Law
Application opening does not mean selection; qualification requirements and medical screening determine the ultimately tiny proportion chosen.
Annual salary is fixed according to the federal salary table; permanent positions are obtained only after training is completed, and mission assignments are decided separately.