NASA is accepting applications for its next class of astronauts as it prepares for upcoming Artemis missions and the expansion of human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit. Officials say applications are open now and are due by Dec. 3, with candidates likely to be trained for missions tied to the Moon and for operations in low-Earth orbit.
Several outlets report the selection window and the broader motivation: NASA has only 32 active astronauts and says it needs more recruits to support its Artemis schedule. Coverage also links the effort to near-term mission planning, including a rehearsal flight the following year that would support Artemis activity, and the continuing development of lunar infrastructure such as rovers, robots, structures, and power systems.
Where outlets differ is mainly in emphasis and context. Some highlight specific figures from prior recruiting—such as thousands of applicants and a small final selection—while others focus on training likely to start in the late 2020s or on the program’s larger goal of building a permanent lunar base. One outlet additionally frames the effort as part of preparation for eventual crewed missions beyond the Moon.
