NASA announced Saturday that applications are open for its next class of astronauts, setting a submission deadline of Dec. 3.

The new candidates will train to operate on the lunar surface, work at the planned Moon Base, and prepare for future crewed missions to Mars, according to the space agency. NASA currently has 32 active astronauts and has selected 370 astronaut candidates since the 1960s. Those chosen in the upcoming class will study spacewalking, lunar geology, and the operation of high-performance aircraft.

Applicants must be United States citizens with a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field, such as biological science or computer science, from an accredited institution. Candidates also need at least three years of professional experience after finishing their qualifying degree. The agency said the master’s degree requirement can alternatively be met with a medical degree, two years of work toward a doctoral program in a related technical field, or enrollment in a test pilot school program completed by July 2027.

For pilots, specific flight time can fulfill the professional experience requirement. High-performance jet pilots need 750 hours of pilot-in-command time. Pilots of other fixed-wing aircraft need 1,500 total flight hours with 750 hours as pilot in command, while rotary-wing pilots need 1,000 total flight hours with 300 hours as pilot in command. Medical doctors can count residency training completed by July 2027 toward their experience requirement.

All applicants must pass a long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate teamwork and communication skills. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the selected individuals could help pioneer systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars.

The space agency last accepted applications in 2024, choosing 10 astronaut candidates in 2025 from a pool of more than 8,000 people. Those candidates are currently completing nearly two years of training.

Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Dec. 3. NASA said it expects to make its final selections in late 2027, when the new candidates will begin their training.