When NASA's 2025 astronaut candidates arrived at Johnson Space Center in Houston this fall, they made history by sharing a common mission to master the skills and teamwork that will define the next era of NASA exploration.
The new class, chosen from more than 8,000 applicants, represents a variety of backgrounds—military test pilots, engineers, doctors and scientists—but all were inspired by moments in their lives that set them on the path to space.
They will spend nearly two years in training before becoming eligible for missions to low-Earth orbit, the Moon and eventually Mars. Upon graduation, they will join NASA's active corps of astronauts, advancing science aboard the International Space Station and supporting the Artemis missions that will take human exploration further than ever before.
During the class announcement at Johnson on Sept. 22, 2025, center director Vanessa Wyche celebrated the moment as a milestone in research.
“Today is an exciting day for our country and for all of humanity as we introduce NASA’s 2025 astronaut candidates—the next generation who will help us explore the Moon, Mars and beyond,” Wyche said. “Each of these candidates brings unique experiences and perspectives that reflect the diversity of America and the spirit of exploration that defines NASA.”
Behind their new blue flight suits lie years of training and a history as varied as the missions they will one day support.
Different roads to the same horizon
Some candidates built their careers in the air, where precision, communication and teamwork were part of every mission. Former US Navy pilot and test pilot Rebecca Lawler says that's what drew her to NASA.
“All these people come from different disciplines and levels of knowledge, and you all work together to keep science moving forward,” she said. “That’s what I’m most excited about—bringing that experience together on one team.”
Imelda Mueller, an anesthesiologist and former U.S. Navy undersea medicine officer, said her experience supporting experimental diving teams taught her how people from different backgrounds can come together on the same mission, something she believes resonates at NASA.
Müller remembers looking up at the night sky as a child and being able to see almost every star on a clear night. Her grandfather worked on the Apollo program and shared stories with her, and she says the combination of stargazing and imagining those missions inspired her dream of becoming an astronaut.
Anna Menon, a biomedical engineer and former flight controller, has seen the human side of spaceflight from the ground and from space. She supported the health of astronauts aboard the space station from Mission Control in Houston and served as a mission specialist and medical officer aboard the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission.
Anna Menon
Cosmonaut Candidate
A Houston native, she discovered her passion for exploration in fourth grade on a field trip to Johnson. “This experience sparked my desire to be a part of the space industry,” she said.
The language of human space flight
For test pilots including Adam Fuhrmann, Cameron Jones, Ben Bailey and Erin Overcash, flight testing taught them adaptability, composure and the discipline to make quick decisions when it matters most. According to Fuhrmann, it's about knowing when to lead and when to listen.
Adam Furman
Cosmonaut Candidate
Each astronaut candidate will spend nearly two years learning about spacecraft systems, practicing spacewalks at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, flying T-38 aircraft, and studying geology, robotics and survival training.
As U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and helicopter test pilot Ben Bailey said, what matters most is not just one skill, but a combination of skills.
“Each of them is interesting on its own—flight, language training, spacewalks—but doing it all together as a crew is the best,” Bailey said.
During the event, active astronauts welcomed the new class and shared tips gleaned from their own human journeys into space. “Luckily, here at NASA you will have some of the most talented, passionate instructors and an incredibly dedicated team,” said NASA astronaut Chris Williams. “Some of the most special moments will come when you realize how much you can learn from each other.”
NASA astronaut Zena Cardman of the International Space Station encouraged candidates to “learn everything you can, get to know each other and enjoy the ride.”
NASA astronaut Johnny Kim continued with the reminder every explorer continues: “The people sitting next to you now will become friends for life.”
Golden Age Explorers
From geologist Lauren Edgar, who worked on the Curiosity rover and the Artemis 3 science team, to engineers like Yuri Kubo, who completed seven internships at NASA, and Catherine Spies, who developed and tested the flight systems that make exploration possible, each brings their own level of expertise to the agency's future on the moon and beyond.
Yuri Kubo
Cosmonaut Candidate
A new era begins
At the announcement ceremony, NASA Flight Operations Director Norm Knight said, “Every lesson learned aboard the station paved the way for where we're going next – to the Moon, this time to stay, and to Mars. We have a group of people who are not only exceptional, but who will inspire the United States of America and our planet.”
Together, the astronaut candidates reflect the spirit of Artemis—curiosity, courage, and constant learning as humanity prepares for its next giant leap.
