NASA has opened applications for its next class of flight directors, the leaders responsible for directing human spaceflight missions from mission control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Applications from U.S. citizens will be accepted through Oct. 12, 2026. Selected candidates could eventually oversee missions to the International Space Station, the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program and future crewed missions to Mars. Flight directors coordinate flight controllers, astronauts, commercial companies and international partners while managing real-time operations and mission risks. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics. NASA also requires substantial professional experience, including work involving time-critical decisions in high-stress or high-risk environments. Previous experience as a flight controller is not required. NASA expects to announce its selections by the end of 2026. Those chosen will undergo extensive training in flight control, spacecraft systems, operational leadership and risk management. Applications are available through USAJobs. Post navigation Crew-13 Heads to Space Station