Roscosmos Will Use Artificial Intelligence To Select Astronauts In 2026

This announcement came on the sidelines of the AI ​​Journey 2025 international conference.

Bakanov explained that Roscosmos will continue to evaluate the physical and medical indicators of the candidates and conduct the usual psychological tests, but the fundamental difference will be the reliance on artificial intelligence to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the collected data.

This advanced step comes within the framework of Roscosmos’ efforts to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of selection processes, as artificial intelligence will contribute to processing complex information and making objective decisions.

It is noteworthy that the last selection process for Russian astronauts nominated to join the astronaut team took place between July and December 2023, during which only four candidates were accepted, while the years 2012, 2018 and 2021 witnessed other selection processes in which the number of those accepted reached eight, then eight, then four, respectively.

The Foundation requires applicants to be Russian citizens under the age of 35, hold a university degree in aviation, engineering or science, and have at least three years of practical experience. It is also required to be proficient in the English language, to have high physical fitness, and for the candidate’s height to be between 150 and 190 cm, and his weight to be between 50 and 90 kilograms.

This initiative represents a qualitative leap in the history of the Russian space program, and keeps pace with a growing global trend to integrate smart technologies into the space industry, which enhances safety and efficiency standards for future astronauts.

Source: TASS