NASA has officially introduced its newest class of 10 astronaut candidates, selected from a pool of over 8,000 applicants. This diverse group will now begin an intensive two-year training program to prepare for future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and potentially Mars.
Key Takeaways
- NASA has chosen 10 new astronaut candidates to join its corps.
- The selection was highly competitive, with more than 8,000 individuals applying.
- The candidates will undergo approximately two years of rigorous training for future space missions.
- Their assignments could include missions under the Artemis program to the Moon and eventual journeys to Mars.
A New Generation of Explorers
NASA formally introduced the 10-member astronaut candidate class at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The selection marks the end of a highly competitive process that drew thousands of applications from across the United States. The group consists of a mix of men and women from various professional backgrounds, including science, aviation, and engineering.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy addressed the new class, highlighting the significance of their selection. He emphasized the aspirational nature of space exploration and the dedication required to become an astronaut.
"More than 8,000 people applied – scientists, pilots, engineers, dreamers from every corner of this nation. The 10 men and women sitting here today embody the truth that in America, regardless of where you start, there is no limit to what a determined dreamer can achieve – even going to space."
Upon successful completion of their training, these individuals will join NASA's active astronaut corps, potentially bringing the total number of active astronauts to 24. They will support ongoing research and prepare for humanity's next major steps in space exploration.
The Artemis Program
A primary focus for this new class will be supporting the Artemis missions. The Artemis program is NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon, including the first woman and first person of color, and establish a sustainable presence there. This lunar experience is considered a critical stepping stone for the long-term goal of sending astronauts to Mars.
The Demanding Training Curriculum
The next two years will be a period of intense instruction and skill development for the candidates. The training program is designed to equip them with the knowledge and abilities necessary to operate in the complex and dangerous environment of space. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of disciplines essential for modern spaceflight.
Key areas of instruction include:
- Complex Operations: Learning the systems of the International Space Station and future spacecraft.
- Robotics: Training to operate robotic arms and other automated systems.
- Spacewalk Simulations: Practicing extravehicular activities (EVAs) in underwater facilities that simulate microgravity.
- Aircraft Piloting: Flying high-performance jets to develop operational skills and decision-making under pressure.
- Survival Skills: Undergoing land and water survival training to prepare for off-nominal landing scenarios.
- Technical Knowledge: Studying subjects like geology, space medicine, and physiology.
- Language Training: Acquiring foreign language skills, often Russian, for communication with international partners on the ISS.
This foundational training ensures each candidate is prepared for the technical and physical challenges of long-duration space missions.
Profiles of the New Candidates
The 2025 astronaut class includes individuals with distinguished careers in their respective fields. Their expertise reflects the diverse skill sets NASA requires for its ambitious future goals. Two of the selected candidates are Ben Bailey and Lauren Edgar.
Ben Bailey, U.S. Army Aviator
Ben Bailey, 38, is a chief warrant officer 3 in the U.S. Army. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and is completing a master's in systems engineering. Bailey is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in over 30 different types of aircraft.
At the time of his selection, his work involved the developmental testing of new technologies for Army helicopters, including the UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook. His extensive experience as a test pilot provides a strong foundation for operating experimental spacecraft.
Lauren Edgar, Geologist
Lauren Edgar, 40, brings a deep scientific background to the astronaut corps. She earned her bachelor's degree in Earth sciences and later completed a master's and doctorate in geology. Her career has been closely tied to planetary exploration.
Edgar previously served as the deputy principal investigator for the Artemis III Geology Team, where she helped outline the scientific objectives for NASA's return to the lunar surface. She also has over 17 years of experience supporting Mars rover missions while working at the U.S. Geological Survey, making her knowledge invaluable for future planetary science missions.
A Long Legacy of Exploration
With the addition of this new class, NASA has now selected a total of 370 astronaut candidates since the original Mercury Seven were chosen in 1959. This legacy spans from the first American forays into space to the sustained human presence on the International Space Station and now looks toward the Moon and Mars.
Looking to the Moon and Beyond
The graduation of this class will mark a significant step in bolstering NASA's astronaut corps for a new era of deep space exploration. The current active astronauts are conducting vital scientific research aboard the ISS while the agency prepares for a transition to commercial space stations in low Earth orbit.
The primary goal is to shift focus to missions beyond Earth's immediate vicinity. The expertise of this new class in fields like engineering, geology, and military operations will be critical for advancing NASA's objectives. They represent the next generation tasked with carrying out some of the most challenging and ambitious missions in the history of human exploration.
