HOUSTON
— More than 6,300 individuals applied to become a NASA astronaut
between Nov. 15, 2011 and Jan. 27, the second highest number of
applications ever received by the agency. After a thorough selection
process, which includes interviews and medical examinations, nine to 15
people will be selected to become part of the 21st astronaut class.
“This is a great time to join the NASA family,” NASA Administrator
Charles Bolden said. “Our newest astronauts could launch aboard the
first commercial rockets to the space station the next generation of
scientists and engineers who will help us reach higher and create an
American economy that is built to last.”
The Astronaut
Selection Office staff will review the applications to identify those
meeting the minimum requirements. Next, an expanded team, comprised
mostly of active astronauts, will review those applications to determine
which ones are highly qualified. Those individuals will be invited to
Johnson Space Center for in-person interviews and medical evaluations.
“We will be looking for people who really stand out,” said Peggy
Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center
and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board. “Our team not only will be
looking at their academic background and professional accomplishments
but also at other elements of their personality and character traits –
what types of hobbies they have or unique life experiences. We want and
need a mix of individuals and skills for this next phase of human
exploration.”
NASA expects to announce a final selection of astronaut candidates in the spring of 2013.
The selected astronaut candidates will have two years of initial
training. Subjects will include space station systems, Russian language
and spacewalking skills training. Those who complete the training will
be assigned technical duties within the Astronaut Office at Johnson and,
ultimately, missions.
Typically, the agency receives
between 2,500 and 3,500 applicants for astronaut vacancy announcements.
The highest response occurred in 1978 with 8,000 applicants.
For more information about NASA astronauts, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/flynasa.html
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading …
Posted in 
Add to Google