NASA Selects 10 from Record-Breaking Pool of Over 8,000 for Astronaut Training

NASA Announces 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class Amid Record-Breaking Application Pool HOUSTON, Sept. 22, 2025 - NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class on Monday, selecting 10 individuals from a pool of over 8,000 applicants to undergo nearly two years of training for missions to the Moon and Mars. The selected candidates are: U.S. Army CW3 Ben Bailey, U.S. Air Force Maj. Cameron Jones, Katherine Spies, Anna Menon, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erin Overcash, U.S. Air Force Maj. Adam Fuhrmann, Dr. Lauren Edgar, Yuri Kubo, Rebecca Lawler, and Dr. Imelda Muller. "This class represents a powerful blend of talent and ambition," said NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine. "Their selection is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our applicants, and we are confident that they will excel in their training and future missions." The selection process was highly competitive, with candidates undergoing rigorous physical and mental evaluations, as well as thorough background checks. According to NASA's Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, Kathy Lueders, "Our astronaut candidate class is chosen based on a variety of factors, including their technical expertise, leadership skills, and adaptability. We are looking for individuals who can excel in the most challenging environments and contribute to our mission to explore space." The 10 candidates will undergo training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will learn about spacecraft systems, spacewalk procedures, and other essential skills. Background checks and medical evaluations are also part of the selection process. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM field or medicine. They must also have at least two years of relevant professional experience or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. The astronaut candidate class is not without controversy. Some critics argue that NASA's selection process favors those with military backgrounds, while others claim that the agency should prioritize candidates from underrepresented groups. "We understand that our selection process may have limitations," said Lueders. "However, we are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in our astronaut corps. We will continue to work towards a more representative class of astronauts." The 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class is expected to play a crucial role in NASA's future missions, including those to the Moon and Mars. As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the agency remains committed to its mission to inspire and educate the public about the wonders of space. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*