NASA Offers $165K to Live on the Moon: Apply by Dec 3

NASA is officially recruiting new astronauts to live and work on the Moon, offering a salary of $164,395 per year to help write the next chapter of human spaceflight, according to the Daily Mail ^[1]. The space agency is seeking candidates to join America’s return to the Moon, build the Moon Base, and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars, the New York Post reported ^[2].

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the extraordinary nature of this opportunity, stating that selected individuals could walk on the Moon and pioneer operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars ^[1]. Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson added that the only thing missing from this adventure is you, highlighting the urgent need for new talent ^[2].

Applications are currently open on NASA’s website and will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 3 ^[1]. To qualify, applicants must be US citizens with a master’s degree in a STEM field, such as engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science. Alternatively, this requirement can be met by completing two years toward a doctoral program or holding a medical degree, the New York Post noted ^[2].

Candidates also need at least three years of related professional experience, with pilots needing specific flight hours, including 750 hours of pilot-in-command time in high-performance jets ^[1]. The role demands technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage, as astronauts will face dangerous, life-threatening situations and prolonged confinement.

Future astronauts must be willing to deploy to space for 12 months or longer, enduring extreme isolation and separation from loved ones, NASA stated ^[1]. After applications, the selection board will conduct interviews at Johnson Space Center in Houston, with about half of the highest-scoring applicants returning for a second screening ^[2].

Those selected will undergo two years of intensive training, including piloting T-38 jets, maneuvering robotic arms, and conducting spacewalks, according to the New York Post ^[2]. Scott Tingle, chief astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, described the role as a chance to join a legacy of explorers shaping humanity’s future in space ^[1].

NASA’s last hiring round in 2024 saw ten astronauts selected from over 8,000 applicants ^[2]. The agency has trained more than 370 astronaut candidates since the 1960s, with the new recruits joining the current 32-member active corps.