The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), announced the release of new online application and assessment tools that will streamline the astronaut selection process for future explorers under the Artemis lunar exploration program and beyond.

OPM coordinated closely with NASA human resources personnel as well as current astronauts to design the application process and the assessment battery. The assessments included in OPM's USA Hire were designed to evaluate candidates on competencies specifically identified as highly critical for success in the astronaut position.

These tools will help modernize and allow for automation in the application process through OPM's USA Staffing talent acquisition system. This results in a more efficient processing and review of applicants. In addition, OPM and NASA developed and implemented a new competency-based online assessment battery to be delivered via the USA Hire platform.

"We are looking for more Artemis Generation explorers to be NASA astronauts. With OPM's support putting these new tools in place for the application process, we will be able to efficiently identify the top candidates who may someday explore the Moon and Mars," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.