Meet NASA's Newest Astronaut Candidates: The Platypi

Ten explorers are training to become flight-eligible astronauts at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:38am

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NASA has selected a new class of astronaut candidates known as the Platypi. The 10 explorers are currently training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to become flight-eligible astronauts, building the technical and operational skills needed for future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and eventually Mars.

Why it matters

The Platypi class was selected in 2025 and represents the next generation of astronauts who will carry out NASA's ambitious plans for space exploration. Their diverse skills and collaborative spirit are seen as key assets as they prepare for missions that will push the boundaries of human spaceflight.

The details

The Platypi class was given its name by the previous astronaut candidate class, the Flies, who saw the new candidates as capable of using "just about any tool to solve any problem or challenge they face." The name reflects the platypus, an animal with a wide range of unique traits. So far, the Platypi have trained on operating the Canadarm2 robotic arm used on the International Space Station, as well as completing survival training and spacewalk simulations. Future training will focus on spacecraft systems, geology, and working in NASA's Mission Control Center.

  • The Platypi class was selected in 2025.
  • The class began training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in 2026.

The players

Anil Menon

NASA astronaut who helped facilitate discussions for the Platypi class name.

Chris Birch

NASA astronaut who helped facilitate discussions for the Platypi class name.

Lauren Edgar

NASA astronaut candidate who is impressed by the complexities of the International Space Station's systems.

Imelda Muller

NASA astronaut candidate who participated in water survival training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Yuri Kubo

NASA astronaut candidate who has been surprised by the diversity of training and focus on psychological, physical, and expeditionary skills.

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What they’re saying

“They're like the Swiss Army knife of candidates. They can use just about any tool to solve any problem or challenge they face. They're unassuming and incredibly kind, but extremely capable.”

— Anil Menon, NASA astronaut

“Our main driver was that this class stood out as extremely capable, with a lot of different skills, while also being very friendly and supportive of each other. They have many diverse and sometimes hidden talents, like the platypus.”

— Anil Menon, NASA astronaut

“It is really impressive to me to learn about all of the complexities of the various systems that keep the International Space Station operational, and how they've all been functioning with a continuous human presence aboard for the last 25 years. It's amazing to see how it all works together and how to fix things when needed.”

— Lauren Edgar, NASA astronaut candidate

“The diversity of the training as well as the focus on psychological, physical, and expeditionary skills has been the most surprising to me. I've learned a lot about myself, from areas of professional and interpersonal development to my ability to overcome challenges. It is amazing what we can achieve with dedication and hard work and an amazing team of people to support you.”

— Yuri Kubo, NASA astronaut candidate

“Our training has already been diverse and dynamic. There is a lot to learn, and I'm excited about every chapter!”

— Anna Menon, NASA astronaut candidate

What’s next

The Platypi class will continue their training at the Johnson Space Center, including operating spacecraft systems, studying geology, and working shifts in the Mission Control Center.

The takeaway

NASA's newest astronaut candidates, known as the Platypi, represent a diverse and highly capable group of explorers who are poised to carry on the agency's legacy of space exploration. Their wide-ranging skills and collaborative spirit make them well-equipped to tackle the challenges of future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and beyond.