NASA astronaut salaries following Artemis 2 lunar mission

The NASA Artemis 2 mission successfully completed a crewed flight around the Moon, marking the first manned lunar mission in over 50 years. The mission launched from Florida on April 1, 2026, with four astronauts aboard the Orion capsule, returning to Earth on April 11, 2026.

In terms of compensation, NASA astronauts earned a base salary of approximately $152,258 USD per year in 2024. This pay scale follows US public service salary tables and can increase based on seniority, experience, and specific mission complexities. Military personnel serving as astronauts maintain their active status, including benefits and leave.

For those working with the European Space Agency (ESA), entry-level salaries in Germany are reported to range between 48,000 and 60,000 Euros annually.