“6_3_2_2.TXT” (1619 bytes) was created on 07-06-92<\/p>\n
BACKGROUND ON THE ASTRONAUT PROGRAM
\nSOURCE: Information Summaries
\nAstronaut Fact Book
\nFebruary, 1992<\/p>\n
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected the first
\ngroup of astronauts in 1959. From 500 candidates having the required jet
\naircraft flight experience and engineering training as well as height below 5
\nfeet 11 inches, 7 military men became the Nation’s first astronauts. The
\nsecond and third groups chosen included civilians who had extensive flying
\nexperience. By 1964, requirements had changed and emphasis was placed on
\nacademic qualifications; in 1965, 6 scientist astronauts were selected from a
\ngroup of 400 applicants who had a doctorate or equivalent experience in the
\nnatural sciences, medicine, or engineering. The group named in 1978 was the
\nfirst of Space Shuttle flight crews and was composed of 15 pilots and 20
\nmission specialists; 6 of the 35 were women and 4 were members of minorities.
\nSince then, 5 additional groups have been selected with an even mix of pilots
\nand mission specialists.<\/p>\n
In total, 195 astronauts have been selected in the 13 groups from 1959 through
\n1990; there are 97 astronauts currently in the program; 78 have retired,
\nresigned or been reassigned; and 20 are deceased.<\/p>\n
Payload specialists are career scientists or engineers selected by their
\nemployer or country for their expertise in conducting a specific experiment or
\ncommercial venture on a Space Shuttle mission. Their names are not included in
\nthe Astronaut Fact Book.<\/p>\n
NASA accepts applications for the Astronaut Candidate Program on a continuing
\nbasis and selects candidates as needed.<\/p>\n
