The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Your Brilliant Career as an Artemis Astronaut
NASA has opened up its application process for aviators who want to soar higher.
While many pilots stay satisfied flying within the troposphere, there are those amongst us who want something more: space.
If that’s you, you’re fortunate, because NASA has announced that it has opened up applications to join its astronaut corps. Specifically, it seeks capable people to join its next series of Artemis missions, which will return to the Moon, build the base planned for that orbital rock, and take the next steps towards a crewed trip to Mars. The selection will be made from the pool of candidates in late 2027, with training to commence in 2028.
“This is an extraordinary time to join NASA’s astronaut corps,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, in a release. “The people we select could walk on the Moon, live and work at the Moon Base, and help pioneer the systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars. Those missions will demand technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage. NASA’s astronaut corps has always called on remarkable Americans willing to take on extraordinary challenges in service to the nation. If you are ready to join that tradition, come help write the next chapter of humanity’s greatest adventure.”
Inspiring words, but what does it take? First, this pipeline for the moment belongs to U.S. citizens, who can apply through the portal before 11:59 p.m. EST on December 3.
Your chances are undoubtedly slim—the last pool of 8,000 candidates drafted in 2024 only netted 10 astronauts, and those are just now completing their required two years of training on Earth.
Aside from the citizenship requirements, a solid STEM background is necessary for all candidates, including: a master’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science from an accredited institution. The requirement for the master’s degree can also be met by:
Completion of at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in an appropriate technical field of engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.
Completion of a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or a related medical degree.
Completion of, or current enrollment in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program, provided the program is completed by July 2027. If Test Pilot School is the only advanced technical degree, then completion of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science is required.
If you want to fill a pilot role—and you have some hours under your belt—you may qualify with one of the following:
High-performance jet aircraft: 750 hours of pilot-in-command time.
Other fixed-wing aircraft: 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command.
Rotary-wing aircraft: 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command.
But if you meet the requirements, and have that passion in your heart, it’s worth a shot. It may turn into your Mars Shot.
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