Meet NASA’s 10 New Astronaut Candidates: A Geologist, Ex-SpaceX Launch Director, and Commercial Astronauts Ready for Adventure!

On September 22, 2025, NASA introduced its newest group of astronaut candidates, marking a significant step toward establishing a human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. This 24th class features ten remarkable individuals from across the United States, selected from over 8,000 applicants.

“We have a group of individuals who are not only exceptional but also inspirational for our country and the planet,” said Norm Knight, Director of NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate. This new class is special; it’s the first to include more women than men.

The selection ceremony took place at the Johnson Space Center. The candidates, dressed in blue flight suits, received a warm welcome from their family, friends, and fellow astronauts. Their training starts now, and will span two years.

A notable first in this class is Anna Menon, who previously flew in space as part of the Polaris Dawn mission before her selection. She worked with SpaceX, training astronauts for their Dragon spacecraft. Interestingly, her husband, Anil Menon, is part of the previous astronaut class, marking them as one of the few married couples actively serving as NASA astronauts.

Another standout is Yuri Kubo, a former SpaceX director, bringing extensive aerospace experience to his new role. Meanwhile, Lauren Edgar, who has worked closely with NASA on lunar exploration goals, will lend her expertise to the mission.

Among the military experience represented in this group, Erin Overcash is a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander and skilled aviator with over 1,300 flight hours. She also trained with the USA Rugby Women’s National Team, showcasing her diverse talents.

The candidates reacted positively on social media, sharing their excitement and sense of responsibility. For example, Erin Overcash posted about her dreams coming true, while others expressed gratitude for the support they received throughout their journeys. These sentiments echo a growing trend on social platforms, where young people seek to engage with space exploration and STEM careers.

The significance of this class lies in its diversity. With six women and candidates from various backgrounds, it reflects a shift towards inclusivity in space exploration. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, women made up only 11% of the astronaut corps historically. This new class signals progress in changing that narrative.

As we look to the future, public interest in space exploration is high, inspired by missions like Artemis, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The gender and ethnic diversity of astronaut candidates not only creates a richer team but also encourages the next generation to believe they too can reach for the stars.

Recent reports indicate that nearly 60% of young people are interested in careers related to space exploration, a number that has climbed in recent years. With initiatives like NASA’s Artemis program and this new class of astronauts, opportunities are expanding. The world is watching as these candidates embark on their journey, setting the stage for a new era in space exploration.

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