NASA wants new astronauts for the Moon
Read about the search for people to live and work on the lunar surface and discuss the skills needed.
Written for any B1 learner. Adapt it to make it about your student: their level, their work, their goals.
Introduction
Have you ever looked at the Moon and imagined living there? NASA is now looking for new people to do exactly that. Before we read the story, think about this: what kind of person would you choose for a long trip far from home?
Key Vocabulary
8 wordsLearn these words before reading the article. They will help you understand the text better.
search
an attempt to find someone or something
Example Sentences
applications
formal requests for something, usually a job or a place on a course
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crews
groups of people who work together, especially on a ship, plane or spacecraft
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training
the process of learning the skills you need to do a job or activity
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explorers
people who travel to new places to learn about them
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requirements
things that are needed or demanded for a particular purpose
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citizens
people who legally belong to a country and have rights there
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professional
relating to work that needs special education or training
Example Sentences
Article
Read the article carefully. Take your time to understand the main ideas.
Listen to the article. The sentence being read is highlighted; click any word to hear it.
NASA has started a search for its next group of astronauts. The American space agency needs people who can live and work on the Moon. It opened applications for its Artemis programme on Saturday at an air show in Florida. The event also celebrated new technology in flying and space travel. People who want to apply must send their forms by 3 December 2026.
The agency's leader, Jared Isaacman, said this is a special moment to join the astronaut team. He explained that the people chosen could walk on the Moon, live at the Moon Base and help create the systems that will one day take crews to Mars. NASA plans to choose the final candidates in late 2027. Their training will begin after that.
The last time NASA looked for astronauts was in 2024. More than 8,000 people applied, but only ten were accepted in September 2025. Scott Tingle, the chief astronaut, said that becoming an astronaut is not just a job. It is a chance to become part of a long story of explorers who have gone beyond the limits of what we know.
NASA has chosen 370 astronaut candidates since the 1960s. Right now, 32 astronauts are active. The agency has said it wants Americans to land on the Moon again in 2028. Two private companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin, plan to support that landing.
There are several requirements for applicants. They must be citizens of the United States. They also need a master's degree in a subject like science, technology, engineering or maths. Medical qualifications, pilot training or two years of work on a relevant doctoral programme are also accepted. On top of that, three years of related professional experience is necessary. Pilots who apply need many hours of flight time, depending on the type of aircraft they fly.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions to check your understanding of the article.
- 1What is the deadline to send an application?
- 2Where did NASA announce the search for new astronauts?
- 3When does NASA plan to choose the final candidates?
- 4How many people applied the last time NASA looked for astronauts?
- 5What do applicants need to have besides a master's degree or medical qualifications?
- 6Which two private companies plan to support a crewed landing on the Moon?
Further Discussion
Discuss these questions about the topic and your personal experiences.
- 1Would you like to live in a different place for a long time? Why or why not?
- 2What personal qualities do you think are important for someone who works in a small team far from home?
- 3In your job or studies, what requirements did you have to meet?
- 4Can you think of a modern-day explorer? What did that person do?
- 5How do you feel when you look at the Moon?
- 6If you could learn one new professional skill tomorrow, what would you choose?
Wrap-up & Reflection
Today we read about NASA's search for astronauts to live and work on the Moon. We also practised vocabulary for talking about jobs, requirements and exploration. Think for a moment about a job you once wanted to do when you were younger. What requirements did it have, and did you meet them?
Make it about your student
Same story, rewritten at your student's level, with discussion questions about their job, goals and weak spots. The vocabulary stays from the news, so they learn words outside their usual topics.
Sources
LinguaFlow wrote this article for language learners from facts reported by the sources below. Read them for the full story.