# NASA Artemis 2 mission and astronaut compensation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nasa-artemis-2-mission-and-astronaut-compensation
> Updated: 2026-09-26T05:02:15.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Following the successful Artemis 2 mission in April 2026, which involved four astronauts orbiting the Moon in the Orion capsule, public interest has turned toward astronaut compensation.

NASA astronauts receive a base salary of approximately $152,258 USD per year, according to 2024 figures, following US public service salary tables. Total pay may increase based on seniority, experience, and mission complexity. Military personnel serving as astronauts retain their active status, including benefits and leave.

In Europe, the European Space Agency (ESA) provides regulated incomes, with entry-level salaries in Germany estimated between 48,000 and 60,000 Euros annually.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: NASA astronaut salaries and the Artemis 2 mission

Following NASA's Artemis 2 lunar mission, data shows NASA astronauts earned a base salary of approximately 152,258 USD in 2024, while ESA entry-level salaries in Germany range from 48,000 to 60,000 EUR.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-astronaut-salaries-and-the-artemis-2-mission

### 2026-08-29: NASA astronaut salaries following Artemis 2 lunar mission

Following the successful Artemis 2 lunar mission, NASA astronaut base salaries are reported at approximately $152,258 USD per year, while ESA entry-level roles in Germany earn between 48,000 and 60,000 Euros.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-astronaut-salaries-following-artemis-2-lunar-mission

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Cite as: NASA Artemis 2 mission and astronaut compensation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nasa-artemis-2-mission-and-astronaut-compensation