NASA unveils 10 new astronauts in 24th class; first class with more women than men

NASA on Monday unveiled its 10 newest astronauts, a diverse cadre of scientists, engineers and test pilots selected from more than 8,000 applicants to help advance the agency's work on lunar exploration and the possibility of Mars. For the first time, the class includes more women than men. The ceremony took place at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The recruits include a geologist who worked on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover, a SpaceX engineer who flew on a billionaire-sponsored mission that featured the world's first private spacewalk, and a former SpaceX launch director. The group will undergo two years of training before becoming eligible for spaceflight.

Acting Administrator Sean Duffy said one of the class members could eventually become the first person to step on Mars. The class is NASA's 24th astronaut class since the Mercury Seven started the program in 1959. The ceremony marks a milestone in a program that remains highly selective and continues to reflect the agency's broader mission to explore beyond Earth.

Only about 370 people have been selected by NASA as astronauts; the current corps includes 41 active U.S. astronauts. The previous class was selected in 2021, and the program has long emphasized a balance of science, engineering and hands-on flight experience.

Norm Knight, NASA's flight operations director, said competition was stiff and described the newcomers as distinguished and exceptional.