NASA Selects 10 New Astronaut Candidates from Over 8,000 Applicants
HOUSTON - On September 22, 2025, NASA announced its 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class, selecting 10 individuals from a pool of over 8,000 applicants. The new candidates will undergo nearly two years of training before becoming eligible for flight assignments supporting future science and exploration missions to low Earth orbit, 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.
"We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals into the NASA family," said Acting NASA Administrator, Maria Zuber. "Their unique blend of skills and experience will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration."
The selection process was highly competitive, with applicants coming from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise. According to NASA officials, the candidates underwent rigorous testing, including physical exams, psychological evaluations, and interviews.
"This is a dream come true for me," said Katherine Spies, one of the selected candidates. "I'm excited to be part of this incredible team and contribute to the advancement of space exploration."
The new astronaut candidates will begin their training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will learn about spacecraft systems, spacewalk procedures, and other essential skills.
Background on the selection process reveals that NASA received over 8,000 applications from across the United States. The agency used a multi-step evaluation process to narrow down the pool of candidates.
"We looked for individuals with a strong foundation in STEM fields, as well as experience working in high-pressure environments," said Dr. Zuber. "We also considered their adaptability, teamwork skills, and ability to think critically."
The selection of these 10 new astronaut candidates marks an important milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028.
As the selected candidates begin their training, they will be working towards a common goal: to contribute to humanity's next great leaps into space. With their unique blend of skills and experience, they are poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of space exploration.
In related news, NASA officials have announced plans to increase funding for its astronaut training program, citing the growing demand for skilled astronauts to support future missions.
The 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class will be eligible for flight assignments supporting science and exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars. Their selection represents a powerful blend of talent and ambition, fueling humanity's next great leaps into space.
*Reporting by Sciencedaily.*
