NASA’s astronaut selection process takes two years, and résumés are just the start

NASA’s astronaut selection process takes roughly two years and involves multiple rounds of reviews, interviews, medical evaluations and team exercises — a process designed to understand applicants as complete individuals rather than simply reviewing their résumés.

In its last recruitment cycle, NASA received more than 12,000 applications before selecting just 10 astronaut candidates. While advanced degrees, technical expertise and flight experience remain important, the agency says the qualities that often separate successful applicants have less to do with perfection and more to do with how people respond when things don’t go according to plan.

Astronaut selection manager April Jordan, speaking on NASA’s Houston We Have a Podcast, said the agency’s evaluators look for individuals who can recover from setbacks, adapt quickly, work effectively with others and continue making sound decisions under pressure — skills considered essential for future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond, where communication delays and isolation may require crews to solve problems independently.

Jordan said NASA looks for people who know when to lead, when to follow, and how to function as part of a team, encouraging applicants to highlight experiences — including those outside traditional careers — that demonstrate leadership, adaptability and continuous learning rather than a flawless track record.