The new class will follow in the footsteps of the Artemis II crew, which flew around the Moon in April 2026. This flyby is a first since the end of the Apollo missions more than fifty years ago.
The goal is to send a first colony of astronauts there by that date, to prepare crewed missions to Mars.
The agency currently has 32 astronauts. It says it needs several profiles for the upcoming missions of the Artemis program: pilots, engineers, scientists and physicians.
The call closes on December 3 at 11:59 p.m. It is reserved exclusively for American citizens.
On academic qualifications, NASA specifies that a bachelor's degree is not enough. It requires a master's level in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, as well as the submission of all grades obtained during studies.
Recruitment is long and demanding. It includes online tests, physical tests and simulations. The first interviews of shortlisted candidates are scheduled for spring 2027.
This campaign is the 25th since the creation of the American space agency in 1959. It is not the first time NASA has opened such a recruitment drive.
The agency also intends to take a dominant place in the conquest of Mars. Lunar stays are meant to serve as a preparatory stage for these crewed flights.