What is the application deadline?

The posting reported by Diken lists the application deadline as Thursday, December 3.

NASA astronaut applications: Moon roles and requirements

Q: What was the last crewed mission to the Moon?

The last crewed Moon mission was Apollo 17, which landed on the Moon in December 1972 and returned to Earth later that month. A total of 24 astronauts traveled to the Moon; 12 of them walked on its surface during the Apollo program.

NASA is seeking candidates who could live and work on the Moon and help build a base under the Artemis program. According to Diken’s report citing the Guardian, the selection process covers people who, in addition to lunar missions, could also take on roles in the systems and operations that will carry crews to Mars in the future.

Key details in the listing

The application process is linked to the final phase of the Artemis program.
Candidates are required to be US citizens.
The listing sets out requirements for education, professional experience and flight experience.
The application deadline is given as Thursday, December 3.

Roles in building a lunar base and preparing for Mars

The report says NASA wants to select successful candidates to help build a base on the Moon. The scope of the listing therefore goes beyond simply reaching the lunar surface; it also includes duties involving living and working there.

In the statement reported by Diken, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says those selected could walk on the Moon and live and work at a lunar base. Isaacman also says they could lead the systems and operations that will carry crews to Mars. The statement presents the Mars-related role as a possibility.

What requirements are reported for prospective applicants?

The requirements published by Diken include a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics; a medical qualification; pilot training or two years of study in a relevant doctoral program. The list also includes professional experience, specified flight hours and US citizenship. The application therefore involves practical experience as well as education.

The report lists the education and experience requirements as follows:

A master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
A qualification in medicine.
Completion of pilot training or two years of study in a relevant doctoral program.
Three years of relevant professional experience.
750 hours of pilot-in-command experience in a jet aircraft.
A total of 1500 hours of flight experience in a fixed-wing aircraft or a total of 1000 hours in a rotary-wing aircraft.

Questions about applications and lunar missions

When is the application deadline?

The listing reported by Diken gives the application deadline as Thursday, December 3.

What was the last crewed mission to the Moon?

The last crewed lunar mission was Apollo 17, which landed on the Moon in December 1972 and returned to Earth at the end of the same month. A total of 24 astronauts traveled to the Moon; 12 of them walked on the lunar surface during the Apollo program.