NASA has officially introduced its 2025 astronaut candidate class, selecting 10 individuals from a highly competitive pool of more than 8,000 applicants. The group began a rigorous two-year training program in September at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, preparing for future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and eventually Mars.
Key Takeaways
- NASA announced its 24th astronaut class, comprising 10 candidates chosen from over 8,000 applicants.
- The class includes military pilots, scientists, engineers, and a medical doctor, reflecting diverse expertise.
- Candidates will undergo two years of intensive training for missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars.
- This selection brings the total number of NASA astronaut candidates since 1959 to 370.
A New Generation of Explorers
On September 22, 2025, NASA formally welcomed its newest astronaut candidates during a ceremony at the Johnson Space Center. This group, the agency's 24th astronaut class, was selected following an extensive application and interview process that drew interest from thousands of qualified individuals across the United States.
Acting Administrator Sean Duffy highlighted the significance of the selection. "More than 8,000 people applied – scientists, pilots, engineers, dreamers from every corner of this nation," he stated. "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."
By the Numbers
The selection process for the 2025 class was exceptionally competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 0.125%. This underscores the high standards required for individuals chosen to represent the nation in space exploration.
These candidates will support NASA's ongoing scientific research and long-term exploration goals. Their work will be critical for the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, and for future crewed missions to Mars.
Intensive Training for Deep Space
The 10 candidates officially reported for duty in mid-September and immediately began their comprehensive training regimen. This foundational program is designed to equip them with the wide range of skills necessary for complex spaceflight operations.
Over the next two years, their training will cover several key areas:
- Spacecraft Systems: Learning to operate and maintain systems aboard the International Space Station and future vehicles.
- Spacewalking: Practicing extravehicular activities (EVAs) in simulated environments, such as the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
- Robotics: Mastering the use of robotic arms for station maintenance and scientific experiments.
- Aviation: Logging flight hours in T-38 supersonic jets to develop decision-making and operational skills in high-pressure situations.
- Survival Skills: Undergoing wilderness and water survival training to prepare for potential off-nominal landing scenarios.
In addition to technical skills, the curriculum includes instruction in geology, space medicine, physiology, and foreign languages to facilitate international cooperation. Upon successful completion of the program, they will become eligible for flight assignments, joining the active astronaut corps.
"Representing America’s best and brightest, this astronaut candidate class will usher in the Golden Age of innovation and exploration as we push toward the Moon and Mars," said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Meet the 2025 Astronaut Candidates
The new class brings a wealth of experience from military, scientific, and private sector backgrounds. The diverse skill sets are essential for tackling the multifaceted challenges of future space missions.
A Legacy of Exploration
Since the selection of the original Mercury Seven astronauts in 1959, NASA has consistently recruited individuals with exceptional skills and dedication. The addition of this 2025 class brings the total number of American astronauts selected by the agency to 370, continuing a legacy that spans over six decades.
Military and Aviation Experts
A significant portion of the class consists of experienced military pilots and test pilots, whose backgrounds are critical for operating advanced spacecraft.
- Ben Bailey, 38: A U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 and test pilot with over 2,000 flight hours. He specialized in testing emerging technologies on helicopters like the UH-60 Black Hawk.
- Adam Fuhrmann, 35: A U.S. Air Force Major and F-35 pilot with 400 combat hours and over 2,100 total flight hours.
- Cameron Jones, 35: A U.S. Air Force Major and test pilot with extensive experience in the F-22 Raptor and over 1,600 flight hours.
- Rebecca Lawler, 38: A former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and experimental test pilot with over 2,800 flight hours. She has also flown as a NOAA hurricane hunter.
- Erin Overcash, 34: A U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with over 1,300 flight hours and 249 carrier landings.
- Katherine Spies, 43: A former Marine Corps AH-1 attack helicopter pilot and experimental test pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours.
Scientists and Engineers
The class also includes individuals with deep expertise in geology, engineering, and medicine, reflecting the scientific focus of upcoming missions.
- Dr. Lauren Edgar, 40: A geologist who served as the deputy principal investigator for the Artemis III Geology Team, helping to define science objectives for NASA's return to the Moon. She has over 17 years of experience supporting Mars rover missions.
- Yuri Kubo, 40: An electrical engineer with 12 years of experience at SpaceX, where he served as a launch director for Falcon 9 rockets and held other senior engineering roles.
- Anna Menon, 39: A biomedical engineer who previously worked in NASA's Mission Control Center. She flew to space in 2024 as a mission specialist on the private Polaris Dawn mission, setting a new female altitude record.
- Dr. Imelda Muller, 34: A former U.S. Navy Lieutenant and undersea medical officer. At the time of her selection, she was completing a residency in anesthesia at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
The Path Forward
After their two-year training and evaluation period, these 10 individuals will officially graduate and become astronauts. They will then be assigned to a variety of roles within NASA, including supporting missions from the ground, contributing to spacecraft development, and ultimately, flying on missions themselves.
Their assignments could include long-duration stays on the International Space Station, flights on commercial crew vehicles, or pioneering missions as part of the Artemis generation. Their collective expertise in aviation, science, and medicine will be instrumental in advancing human presence beyond low Earth orbit and paving the way for the first human footsteps on Mars.