Being a NASA astronaut is not just a prestigious job — it’s a huge challenge and a complete career reset. Candidates usually apply in their 30s or 40s, leaving successful careers behind to start from scratch. Training takes years, days are long, travel is frequent, and there is no guarantee of actually flying into space. Yet in the last selection, just a few spots were available from 18,353 applications. The new candidates will be announced on June 7, 2026, with basic training beginning in August. Here’s what you need to know about the profession.

Candidate requirements

NASA sets strict criteria. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology, physics, computer science, or mathematics, plus at least three years of professional experience (or 1,000 hours of flight as a jet pilot in command). Passing a full NASA medical exam is mandatory. Additional skills are valuable: diving, wilderness survival, leadership experience, and language proficiency (especially Russian — all astronauts must learn it).

What an astronaut “class” looks like

Since 1959, NASA has selected 22 astronaut classes. The first groups were mostly military test pilots — people prepared for extreme risk. Over time, the selection became more diverse. The fourth class in 1969 was called the “Scientists” and included geologist Harrison Schmitt, the only geologist to walk on the Moon (Apollo 17). The eighth class in 1978 was the first to include women, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The sixteenth class in 1996 was the largest ever — 44 people for frequent shuttle flights and ISS construction. The 2013 class was the first with a 50/50 gender balance.

What spacecraft the new astronauts will fly

Today, astronauts reach the ISS aboard Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft. In the coming years, American commercial ships will be used — SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner (Commercial Crew program). For deep-space missions, Orion is being prepared — a spacecraft for lunar flybys and eventual Mars missions. Launches will depart from U.S. soil for the first time since 2011, when the Shuttle program ended.

Where the rookies will go

Most likely, first to the ISS — the main platform for practicing long-duration missions. The station is expected to operate through 2024–2028. Beyond that, more ambitious plans include lunar flybys on Orion (already planned for the 2020s), the Gateway lunar orbital station, and possibly a Mars landing in the 2030s.

What astronauts spend most of their time doing

Most of their career is spent on Earth. The first two years involve basic training: survival, Russian language, technical skills, working in spacesuits, and simulators. After graduation, astronauts are either assigned to missions or work in the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center (Houston), supporting current flights, advising engineers, and developing future spacecraft.

Basic training

Candidates learn to pilot the T-38, practice spacewalks in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory pool, operate the Canadarm2 robotic arm, and study ISS systems. They also train in geology, survival under extreme conditions, leadership, and teamwork.

International partnerships

NASA astronauts work closely with 16 partner countries on the ISS. Russia provides crew transport on Soyuz; Canada manages robotics (Canadarm2); Europe and Japan contribute modules and technology. Each partner contributes to everything from science to station operations.

How selection works

The last round saw a record 18,353 applications. HR first screens for eligibility. Then a 50-person panel (mostly current astronauts) selects a few hundred top candidates. Recommendations are checked, interviews and medical exams are conducted. From 120 finalists, the top 50 are chosen, then the final class. Selected candidates are notified with a call from the flight and Astronaut Office leadership. Before the official announcement, they may share the news only with immediate family.

In brief

Becoming a NASA astronaut means leaving a successful career, passing a rigorous selection process, and completing two years of intensive training with no guarantee of a flight. Requirements include a STEM degree, experience, health, and piloting skills. New candidates (to be announced June 7, 2026) will begin training in August. They will fly on Soyuz, Crew Dragon, Starliner, and Orion, work on the ISS, and prepare for lunar and Mars missions. Most of their career involves training, mission support, and engineering work on Earth. It is a profession for those ready to take risks and start from scratch for the sake of space.