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NASA Astronaut Program Background

BACKGROUND ON THE ASTRONAUT PROGRAM

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
selected the first group of astronauts in 1959. From 500
candidates having the required jet aircraft flight
experience and engineering training as well as height below
5 feet 11 inches, 7 military men became the Nation's first
astronauts. The second and third groups chosen included
civilians who had extensive flying experience. By 1964,
requirements had changed and emphasis was placed on academic
qualifications; in 1965, six scientist astronauts were
selected from a group of 400 applicants who had a doctorate
or equivalent experience in the natural sciences, medicine,
or engineering. The group named in 1978 was the first of
Space Shuttle flight crews and was composed of 15 pilots and
20 mission specialists; 6 of the 35 were women and 4 were
members of minorities. Since then, 4 additional groups have
been selected with an even mix of pilots and mission
specialists.

In total, 172 astronauts have been selected in the 12 groups
from 1959 through 1987; there are 88 astronauts currently in
the program; 67 have retired, resigned or been reassigned;
and 17 are deceased.

Payload specialists are career scientists or engineers
selected by their employer or country for their expertise in
conducting a specific experiment or commercial venture on a
Space Shuttle mission. Their names are not included in this
document.

NASA accepts applications for the Astronaut Candidate
Program on a continuing basis and selects candidates as
needed.


 
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