Astronaut Candidate

Duties

Major duties of the astronaut position include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct operations in space, including on the International Space Station (ISS) and in the development and testing of future spacecraft.
• Perform extravehicular activities (EVA) around spacecraft, space stations, and on planetary surfaces, use the robotic remote manipulator system, and participate in the development and testing of future extravehicular and robotic activities.
• Conduct research experiments (including those on animals), operate as a safe member of an aircraft/spacecraft crew (including flight planning and communications), and perform spacecraft maintenance activities.
• Conduct ground support tasks for astronaut training spaceflight missions, such as CapCom (capsule communicator) in the Mission Control Center.
• Participate in and be evaluated during mission simulations that prepare yourself and other astronauts to work as a well-coordinated team with the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center to conduct operations in the dynamic environment of space.
• Support development and operation of human spaceflight programs or other agency efforts as directed.
• Advocate for the interests and safety of all astronauts as part of decision-making teams considering current and future spacecraft designs, tests, and operations.
• Serve as the public face of NASA, providing appearances across the country and internationally, and sharing NASA's discoveries and goals.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Frequent travel required
• Financial disclosure statement required
• Must meet all qualification/education and experience requirements by the closing date of the announcement. See announcement for more details on Test Pilot School completion
• Applicants may only select ONE discipline group to apply under (See "Qualifications" section below)
• Selectees will be designated Astronaut Candidates and will undergo a training and evaluation period lasting approximately two years
• Applicants must submit ALL STEM related transcripts
• See announcement for additional information on employment conditions

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Your application packet must include:

  • Your resume showing relevant experience
    • Only resumes developed using USAJOBS Resume Builder will be accepted. Please be thorough in your resume completion, addressing each section.
    • In describing your experience, please be clear and specific and list all relevant work experience (even if outside of your chosen discipline group). We will not make assumptions regarding your experience.
    • You must provide five references in your resume (including your most recent supervisor).
      • Although USAJOBS allows for the submission of more than 5 references, please note that we will only accept the first 5 references submitted. We request that you carefully select and submit the most relevant references that highlight your qualifications and experience in the best way possible.

  • A complete online application, to include online assessment and questionnaire

  • All transcript(s) from an accredited university where applicable degrees were earned or Test Pilot School completion/enrollment
    • Please attach ALL STEM related transcripts (bachelors or higher)
    • Please do not attach non-qualifying transcripts or certifications

  • For those with ANY flight experience, please fill out the following form and attach as a supporting document to your application (this is a requirement for those applying under the Pilot and Flight Test sub-disciplines). Pilot Qualifications Form

  • Other supporting documents (submit if applicable to you)

  Please do not upload copies of diplomas, letters of recommendation or any other unsolicited application material. All documents submitted must not exceed 3MB. For more information on uploading documents, see here.
  Note: Documents indicating veteran's' preference are not being collected at this point. NASA intends to apply veterans' preference among candidates in later stages of this selection process.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must build and attach a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder, complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and questionnaire, and submit the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  • To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.

  • Build and submit a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder.

  • Answer the questions presented in the online application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.

  • Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the announcement closing date.

  • If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.

  • Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

  • Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

  • Set aside at least 2.5 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use your unique assessment link.

  For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: Here
  While you may not update your assessment responses after initial submission, you may update your application documents and questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. To update your application, including supporting documents, during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your applicant record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
  All application documentation must be received by the closing date of the announcement in order to be considered and have a complete application. Documentation mailed or emailed to the Astronaut Selection Office will not be considered. All previous applicants MUST reapply and complete the entire application process. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12288466
  All information is subject to verification. Applicants are advised that false answers or omissions of information on application materials or inability to meet the conditions outlined in this announcement may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed. Please read the announcement in its entirety before applying.

  Agency contact information

  NASA Astronaut Selection Office

  Phone

  281-483-5907

  Email

  astronaut.selection@nasa.gov

  Address

  LYNDON B JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
  2101 E NASA Pkwy
  Houston, TX 77058
  US

  Next steps

  Based on your application and your responses to the online application, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Assessment system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments may be completed at any time throughout the announcement open period but no later than 48 hours following the close of this announcement.Note: It is to your benefit to apply early to ensure you have adequate time to complete your application and assessments. Currently, the assessment window will close on Thursday, April 04 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Although not anticipated, if the application window is extended, the deadline for completing these assessments would be 48 hours after the new close date at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
  Due to the anticipated high number of applicants and the multiple stages in the assessment process, status notifications will be limited throughout the selection process. Please note, requests for feedback will only be provided to those invited to the interview stage. You may check your initial application status by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking the "Track this Application" link for this announcement. The amount of notices each applicant receives may vary.
  The selection process is estimated to take approximately one (1) year to complete. NASA anticipates announcing a new class of astronauts in the Summer 2025. Final notification of your status will be sent at that time. Multiple selections may be made under this announcement. Selected candidates will report for duty at the Johnson Space Center in the Fall of 2025.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents