Do you have what it takes? NASA is hiring new astronauts to live and work on the MOON - with a $165,000 salary

Growing up, many children dream of becoming an astronaut one day. Now, that dream is about to become a reality for a select few – because NASA is hiring. The US space agency is seeking new astronauts 'to help write the next chapter of human spaceflight.'The lucky candidates will live and work on the moon, and will receive a decent salary of $164,395 (£122,565) per year. 'This is an extraordinary time to join NASA's astronaut corps,' said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. 'The people we select could walk on the Moon, live and work at the Moon Base, and help pioneer the systems and operations that will ultimately carry crews to Mars. 'Those missions will demand technical excellence, sound judgment, teamwork, and courage.' Growing up, many children dream of becoming an astronaut one day. Now, that dream is about to become a reality for a select few – because NASA is hiringApplications are open on NASA's website now, with those interested having until 23:59 EST on December 3 to submit their applications.Unsurprisingly, to be accepted, you'll need to meet NASA's strict set of criteria. The basic requirements include US citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field.The requirement for the master's degree can also be met by completion of at least two years of work toward a doctoral program, completion of a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or a related medical degree, or completion of, or current enrollment in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program.'If Test Pilot School is the only advanced technical degree, then completion of a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science is required,' NASA explained.In addition, you'll need to have at least three years of related professional experience after completing your qualifying degree.For pilots, this can include 750 hours of pilot–in–command time in a high–performance jet aircraft, 1,500 total flight hours (including 750 as pilot) in other fixed–wing aircraft, or 1,000 total flight hours (including 300 as pilot) in a rotary–wing aircraft. Unsurprisingly, NASA also has strict medical and security clearances, as well as physical standards. Applications are open on NASA's website now, with those interested having until 23:59 EST on December 3 to submit their applications. Unsurprisingly, to be accepted, you'll need to meet NASA's strict set of criteriaCandidates will be expected to work in dangerous, life–threatening situations, and live in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time. They'll also need to perform 'arduous' physical activities, including heavy lifting and crawling. What's more, applicants will need to consider if they're willing to be apart from their friends and family during long missions. 'Must be willing to deploy to space for 12 months or longer, accepting extreme isolation, austere living conditions, and separation from loved ones,' NASA explained. If you meet all these requirements – and nail a face–to–face interview – you could be invited into the training programme, which will last around two years. Only then will NASA decide on its final astronauts.'For those who apply, becoming a NASA astronaut is more than a career opportunity,' said Scott Tingle, chief astronaut and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The lucky candidates will live and work on the moon, and will receive a decent salary of $164,395 (£122,565) per year'It is a chance to join a legacy of explorers who have pushed the boundaries of discovery and play a role in the missions that will shape humanity's future in space. 'The next generation of astronaut candidates could help write history while inspiring future scientists, engineers, and explorers.' Since the 1960s, NASA has selected more than 370 people to train as astronaut candidates. Its last round of hiring was in 2024, when 10 astronauts were selected – out of a pool of more than 8,000 applicants. The hiring news has sparked huge interest among aspiring astronauts on X. Replying to NASA's post about applications, one user said: 'I have no professional qualifications for this. I just love space and want to go to space.'Another added: 'Applied in my head at age 9, still waiting to hear back.'And one joked: 'I'm a 34 year old Englishman with absolutely 0 experience needed to be an astronaut apart from I really like space. Have you got room for me?' What it takes to become a NASA astronautThe basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science from an accredited institution. The requirement for the master's degree can also be met by:Completion of at least two years of work toward a doctoral program in an appropriate technical field of engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics.Completion of a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, or a related medical degree.Completion of, or current enrollment in, a nationally recognized Test Pilot School program, provided the program is completed by July 2027. If Test Pilot School is the only advanced technical degree, then completion of a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, or computer science is required.Candidates must also have at least three years of related professional experience after completing their qualifying degree.For pilots, the professional experience requirement may be met through the following flight experience:High-performance jet aircraft: 750 hours of pilot-in-command time.Other fixed-wing aircraft: 1,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours as pilot in command.Rotary-wing aircraft: 1,000 total flight hours, including 300 hours as pilot in command.For medical doctors, residency training may count toward the professional experience requirement and must be completed by July 2027.Astronaut candidates must pass NASA's long-duration astronaut flight physical and demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.