NASA is looking for new astronaut candidates, and applications are open now. Interested applicants have until December 3 to submit their materials, according to the agency's recruitment window reported by Space.com.
The recruitment is tied to the agency's plans to return people to the Moon and, later, to send crews farther into deep space. Future lunar missions will require a larger pool of trained crew members, and the hiring push reflects that need as the Artemis program moves toward its human landing goals.
The timing also coincides with reports that NASA has accelerated its plan to land astronauts on the Moon in 2028. Two private companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin, are each developing a lunar lander for the mission, and a crucial orbital test of one of those landers is reportedly scheduled for 2027. The broader plan, as described in the reporting, includes faster rocket preparation and lightweight new spacesuits, with the longer-term goal of establishing a permanent presence on the Moon before attempting Mars exploration.
Whether the 2028 landing date will hold remains uncertain, since the schedule carries significant risks. The reporting available so far does not spell out the detailed requirements candidates must meet to apply, so prospective applicants will need to check NASA's official announcement for those criteria.
Credit. Based on reporting by Tariq Malik for Space.com. Is this your work? Write to us.
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