NASA Is Accepting Astronaut Applications for the First Time in 2 Years - CNET

This type of job posting happens once in a blue moon. If you’ve always dreamed of becoming an astronaut, NASA just made space for those who meet its qualifications. On Saturday, the agency announced that it’s seeking the next class of astronauts who will journey to the moon, build the planned 2032 Moon Base and help create the systems that will enable the first Mars mission.

What it takes to be an astronaut

If you want to journey into space with NASA, you have to be a US citizen, ideally with a master’s degree in a STEM field.

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In addition to completing an application package that includes a long-form resume and five references, you will also have to pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut flight physical and show strong skills in communication, teamwork and leadership.

If you don’t have a master’s degree, you can meet that requirement with at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in a STEM field, completion of a medical degree or completion or enrollment in a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program.

You also must have at least three years of related professional experience. If Test Pilot School is your only advanced technical degree, you must also have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.

If you’re in residency training as a medical doctor, that could count toward the professional experience requirement, but training would have to be complete by July 2027.

Pilots can reach new heights

If you’re a pilot, you could meet the professional experience requirement with 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in a high-performance jet aircraft; 1,500 total flight hours, with 750 pilot-in-command hours, in other fixed-wing aircraft; or 1,000 total flight hours, with 300 pilot-in-command hours, in a rotary-wing aircraft.

Extensive travel required

Yes, there is a job posting for becoming an astronaut. USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment website, states that you’ll be reporting for duty at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston.

It also pays to become an astronaut: $164,395 per year.

Unsurprisingly, 76% or more travel is required — or what NASA calls “extensive travel.” Kind of the point of the job, though, no?

Ready to apply?

If you meet NASA’s requirements, you have until Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET to apply.

If accepted, you’ll spend about two years in training, learning robotics, leadership, lunar geology, spacewalking and more.

After completing training, you’ll become eligible for a spaceflight assignment. Until then, you’ll be an active astronaut corps member with astronaut office responsibilities. That’s more exciting than it sounds, as it could involve supporting fellow astronauts in space or helping develop a new spacecraft.