NASA opens applications for new Artemis astronaut class, reports say

NASA is accepting applications for a new class of astronauts for its Artemis lunar program, according to the Associated Press (AP) and the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The two reports use nearly identical wording, which suggests they come from a single wire origin. Neither report quotes an official NASA document or statement.

What is reported

According to both outlets, the new astronaut class will help grow the Artemis program. Both reports link the recruitment to helping build a permanent lunar base.

According to the SCMP, officials announced the recruitment on Saturday during an air show at Kennedy Space Center. The SCMP said the event promoted lunar exploration and advances in aviation and technology.

The SCMP also reported that NASA's previous call for new astronauts was two years ago. More than 8,000 people applied in that round, according to the SCMP, and 10 were selected in September 2025.

What the reports do not include

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not name the officials who made the announcement. They do not include any direct statement from NASA.

The reports do not describe the application deadline, the eligibility requirements or how to apply. They do not say how many astronauts NASA plans to select in this class, or when the selection will be made.

The reports also do not describe what role the new astronauts would have in building a permanent lunar base. They do not give a timeline for such a base.

The AP report reviewed by Vocemundi consists only of a headline and a summary. Its full details could not be compared with the SCMP account.

Sourcing

The claims appear to rest on a single origin, and no primary NASA source is cited in the reports reviewed by Vocemundi.

Analysis

If NASA confirms the recruitment, details such as class size, timing and eligibility would show how the agency plans to staff future Artemis missions. The reported link to a permanent lunar base points to long-term ambitions, but the reports give no timeline or role description, so the scale of those plans cannot be assessed from them. The previous round, which reportedly drew more than 8,000 applicants for 10 places, may offer a benchmark for public interest. Until a primary NASA statement is available, the story rests on what appears to be a single reported origin, and its specifics should be treated with caution.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.