NASA astronaut salaries and the Artemis 2 mission

Following the Artemis 2 mission, which saw four astronauts orbit the Moon in the Orion capsule before returning to Earth in April 2026, details regarding astronaut compensation have become a point of interest.

In 2024, NASA astronauts received a base salary of approximately 152,258 USD per year, based on US public service pay scales. Total compensation can increase depending on seniority, experience, and specific mission complexities. Military personnel serving as astronauts maintain their active status, including benefits and pay.

In Europe, the European Space Agency (ESA) provides regulated incomes. For instance, entry-level salaries in Germany are estimated to range between 48,000 and 60,000 EUR annually.