12.11.2026 09:20
NASA is looking for new astronauts who will work for an annual salary of approximately 8 million 262 thousand TL. After two years of training, selected candidates may have the opportunity to take on missions at a base planned to be established on the Moon and to participate in future journeys to Mars. In the recruitment, to which only US citizens can apply, the deadline was announced as December 3, 2026.
As NASA prepares for a new era in human space exploration, it has opened applications to expand its astronaut corps. In the announcement published on November 7, it was stated that selected candidates could serve on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program, live at the planned lunar base, and take part in preparations for future human flights to Mars.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said that the new astronauts could set foot on the Moon, live and work at the lunar base, and contribute to the development of systems that will send humans to Mars. However, there is no guarantee that every selected astronaut will be sent to space.
ANNUAL SALARY OF $164,395
According to NASA's official job posting, astronaut candidates will be paid an annual salary of $164,395 (8 million 262 thousand TL). This amount corresponds to approximately $13,700 per month. It was also stated that the salary may be updated according to pay adjustments in 2027 and 2028.
Candidates accepted for the role will work at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA. During training lasting approximately two years, preparation will be provided in areas such as spacewalks, robotic systems, flight operations, teamwork, and emergency management.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ANNOUNCED
Only U.S. citizens may apply to NASA's new astronaut program. Candidates must have a master's degree in fields such as engineering, biology, physics, computer science, or mathematics, or equivalent professional and academic qualifications accepted by the agency.
Applicants are also required to have at least three years of professional experience in relevant fields. While specific flight-hour requirements apply for pilots, all candidates are expected to pass health checks suitable for long-duration space missions and demonstrate strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
THE POSSIBILITY OF LIVING ON THE MOON AND GOING TO MARS
NASA's new astronaut class will be trained to take part in the Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon. Through a base to be established on the lunar surface, the agency plans to research long-term living conditions and use the experience gained there in human missions to Mars.
However, living on the Moon or going to Mars is not a right directly offered to astronauts who are hired. Mission assignments will be determined according to NASA's needs and the candidates' performance during training.
MORE THAN 8,000 PEOPLE APPLIED
More than 8,000 people applied for NASA's previous astronaut recruitment opened in 2024, and only 10 of them were selected. While training continues for the new astronaut class announced in September 2025, the agency has 32 people in its active astronaut corps.
New applications will close on December 3, 2026. NASA is expected to complete its evaluation process in late 2027, and the selected candidates are expected to begin training at the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028.