Applications Now Open — Phase 1

Shackleton Crater · South Pole · Luna

Moonbase Alpha

Humanity's first permanent settlement beyond Earth.
Operational by 2028. Applications are now live.

Target Launch — January 1, 2028

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APPLICATIONS OPEN — PHASE 1 REVIEW IN PROGRESS ◆ TARGET DATE: 2028 ◆ LOCATION: SHACKLETON CRATER, LUNAR SOUTH POLE ◆ INITIAL CREW: 12 COLONISTS ◆ SEEKING: ENGINEERS · SCIENTISTS · MEDICS · PILOTS ◆ moonbasealpha.net ◆ APPLICATIONS OPEN — PHASE 1 REVIEW IN PROGRESS ◆ TARGET DATE: 2028 ◆ LOCATION: SHACKLETON CRATER, LUNAR SOUTH POLE ◆ INITIAL CREW: 12 COLONISTS ◆ SEEKING: ENGINEERS · SCIENTISTS · MEDICS · PILOTS ◆ moonbasealpha.net ◆

Mission Overview

Building a
Self-Sustaining
Lunar City

Moonbase Alpha will serve as humanity's first permanent off-world habitat, located at the rim of Shackleton Crater where near-continuous sunlight powers the base and nearby water-ice deposits provide fuel and life support. We are building the foundation for multi-planetary civilization.

2028
Target Operational Year
12 crew
Initial Colonist Roster
384,400 km
Avg Distance from Earth
10d
Starship Launch Cadence

Program Timeline

The Road
to Alpha

2025 — NOW
Applications Open
Phase 1 applications are live. We are accepting candidates across engineering, science, medicine, and operations. Screening begins immediately.
2026
Candidate Selection
Final 48 candidates selected from global applicant pool. Begin 18-month intensive training at lunar simulation facility.
2027
Habitat Pre-Deploy
Starship delivers habitat modules, power systems, and life support infrastructure to Shackleton Crater rim. Remote assembly and systems verification.
2028 — Q1
First Crew Arrives
12 founding colonists land at Moonbase Alpha. Humanity officially becomes a multi-world species. Operations begin.

Open Roles

Who We're
Looking For

We need generalists who can thrive in extreme conditions — people who have trained hard in their primary discipline but can adapt across roles. The first crew will be small. Everyone does everything.

⚙️
Structural Engineer
Maintain habitat integrity, EVA operations, equipment repair. Background in aerospace or civil engineering preferred.
3 spots open
🔬
Research Scientist
Geology, astrobiology, materials science. Lead experiments that will define our understanding of the lunar surface.
2 spots open
🏥
Flight Surgeon
Medical officer for crew health, emergency response, and physiological research in reduced-gravity environments.
1 spot open
🚀
Mission Pilot
Lunar lander and surface vehicle operations. Experience with spacecraft systems and emergency protocols required.
2 spots open
⚡
Systems Engineer
Power, life support, communications, and thermal management. Keep the base alive when systems fail — and they will fail.
2 spots open
🌿
Bioregenerative Specialist
Closed-loop food and oxygen systems. Design and operate the hydroponic systems that feed the crew indefinitely.
2 spots open

Apply Now

Phase 1
Application

Engineer
Scientist
Medic
Pilot
Systems
Other

Applications are open.
The deadline is your entire life.

  • ▶ Minimum 5 years professional experience in your primary discipline. Advanced degree strongly preferred but not mandatory.
  • ▶ Excellent physical and psychological health. Candidates will undergo extensive medical and psychological evaluation.
  • ▶ Demonstrated ability to perform under extreme pressure, isolation, and ambiguity. Prior military or expeditionary experience is a strong signal.
  • ▶ Willingness to commit to a minimum 18-month surface rotation. Extensions are expected and encouraged.
  • ▶ No financial compensation for Phase 1 crew. You will be fed, housed, and kept alive. You will also be the most important humans alive.
Phase 1 Applicant Intake
2,341 applications received 23% capacity