Space agency seeks recruits willing to live and work on the Moon

The United States space agency NASA has opened a new call for astronaut applications, seeking a new generation of recruits able to live and work on the Moon.

The applications have been invited as part of the latest expansion of the Artemis programme. Those selected will take part in establishing a base on the lunar surface and in the first plans to send humans to Mars, helping shape the future of humanity in space, the agency said.

The announcement was made at an air show event held at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, highlighting lunar research alongside advances in aviation and technology.

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman described this as an extraordinary moment to join the astronaut corps. Those chosen will walk on the Moon, live and work at the lunar base, and eventually pave the way for the crews that will travel to Mars, he said.

The agency expects to make its final selection by the end of 2027 and begin training the next astronaut candidate class thereafter. It last opened applications in 2024. NASA has selected 370 astronaut candidates since the 1960s, and 32 astronauts are currently active.