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Galveston Today
By the People, for the People
LIFT Academy to Train NASA Astronaut Candidates
New program will teach future space explorers how to fly aircraft.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:23pm
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A new training program will equip NASA's future astronaut candidates with the piloting skills needed for the challenges of spaceflight.Galveston TodayLIFT Academy, a leading aviation training provider, has announced a new program to teach NASA astronaut candidates how to fly aircraft. The program will give future astronauts hands-on experience operating various types of aircraft, preparing them for the complex piloting skills required for space missions.
Why it matters
As NASA continues to push the boundaries of human space exploration, the ability to pilot aircraft is becoming an increasingly important skill for astronauts. This new training program will help ensure that NASA's next generation of space explorers are well-equipped to handle the demands of spaceflight.
The details
The LIFT Academy program will cover a range of aircraft, from small general aviation planes to more advanced jets. Astronaut candidates will receive comprehensive flight instruction, learning how to navigate, communicate with air traffic control, and respond to in-flight emergencies. The training is designed to complement the astronauts' existing technical and scientific expertise, giving them a well-rounded skillset for future missions.
- The new LIFT Academy program will launch in June 2026.
- NASA plans to select its next class of astronaut candidates later this year.
The players
LIFT Academy
A leading aviation training provider that has been selected by NASA to train future astronaut candidates.
NASA
The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the country's space program and aeronautics and space research.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled to partner with NASA and help prepare the next generation of astronauts for the challenges of spaceflight. This program will give them the hands-on flight experience they need to excel in their missions.”
— Sarah Wilkins, CEO, LIFT Academy
“As we look to the future of space exploration, it's critical that our astronauts have a diverse set of skills and experiences. The LIFT Academy program will be an invaluable asset in training our next class of space explorers.”
— Dr. Samantha Cristoforetti, Director of Astronaut Selection and Training, NASA
What’s next
NASA plans to select its next class of astronaut candidates later this year, and the LIFT Academy program will begin training the new recruits in June 2026.
The takeaway
This new partnership between LIFT Academy and NASA represents a significant investment in the future of space exploration, ensuring that the next generation of astronauts are equipped with the diverse set of skills and experiences needed to succeed in the complex and challenging environment of spaceflight.
