NASA Opens Search for Next Round of Artemis-Generation Astronauts

The 10 astronauts had been selected as candidates for the training program from a highly competitive pool of about 12,000 applicants in 2021, NASA said. Their training included more than two years of basic training that entailed robotics, space station systems, and spacewalking.

The graduation milestone now means they may be assigned to future missions on the International Space Station or commercial space stations, as well as NASA's Artemis moon mission campaign.

NASA identified the graduating astronauts as Nichole Ayers of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Marcos Berríos of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico; Chris Birch of Gilbert, Arizona; Deniz Bunham of Wasilla, Alaska; Luke Delaney of DeBary, Florida; Andre Douglas of Chesapeake, Virginia; Jack Hathaway of South Windsor, Connecticut; Anil Menon of Minneapolis; Chris Williams of Potomac, Maryland; and Jessica Wittner of Clovis, California.

United Arab Emirates astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dabai also trained alongside the class as part of a long-standing international partnership.

NASA commenced its search for the next round of astronaut candidates Tuesday. Duties for the position include conducting research experiments, performing spacecraft maintenance, and serving as a public face for the space agency. Frequent travel also is required.

"Upon completing training, they will join the active astronaut corps and become eligible for spaceflight assignment," NASA said in a statement. "Until assigned a spaceflight, they will have responsibilities within the astronaut office, ranging from supporting their fellow astronauts in space to advising on the development of new spacecraft."

More information on the astronaut candidate program may be found here. The deadline for applying is April 2.