The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC), located in Houston, Texas, has been responsible for conducting the astronaut recruiting and selection process. This includes
• establishing the astronaut staffing and selection requirements.
• issuing and releasing public announcements advertising the qualification requirements.
• appointing qualified members for rating panels and selection committees established for each recruiting campaign:
* to review and perform the initial screening of applicants;
* to conduct personal interviews of those applicants who satisfy initial screening requirements; and
* to make final recommendations for selecting of applicants who qualify for the astronaut training program.
From the outset of human spaceflight, prospective candidates for the astronaut training program have been recruited on the basis of selection criteria dictated by the requirements of the missions to which they would be assigned. These mission requirements have grown in complexity; each follow-on program is responsible for advancing the state of the art of human space explorations. Such requirements have evolved from the pioneering effort in Project Mercury to those of far-reaching ramifications demonstrated in Project Apollo for landing humans on the Moon and more in the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Program for sustaining human life and supporting human productivity for flights of long duration.
In December 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued an edict limiting the pool of candidates for Project Mercury astronauts to military test pilots. Critics argued that this requirement excluded women, given the absence of female test pilots in the armed services to choose from and that the use of all military personnel in this highly visible position ran contrary to NASA’s status as a civilian agency. However, Eisenhower’s decision simplified and expedited NASA’s selection process, eliminated the potential publicity blitz associated with an open call for applicants, and fit well with the highly technical and classified nature of certain aspects of the job. Screening boards for the Navy, Air Force, and Marines and a review by three aviation medicine specialists deemed 110 test pilots suitably qualified for further evaluation by the NASA Space Task Group, the organization charged with putting America’s first human in space. Robert R. Gilruth, the Space Task Group Director, delegated all authority for selecting the Mercury astronauts to his deputy, Charles J. Donlan, and his handpicked board. Though rigorous medical and psychological tests provided a wealth of information on each potential astronaut, this first selection committee also weighed its impressions gained through personal interviews with each candidate. The committee regarded individual initiative and complementary technical expertise within the group as the deciding factors in March 1959 when they chose the seven test pilots who would be America’s first men in space. In the following month, after approval by Gilruth and NASA management, the space agency publicly announced the names of the Mercury Seven astronauts.
The Original Seven
The initial astronaut selection began in January 1959, before human spaceflight operations began, when NASA asked the military services to screen personnel records for prospective candidates who met the qualifications outlined in Table 1. This preliminary review produced 508 military test pilots, of whom 110 satisfied all of the basic requirements. A subsequent examination of military and medical records reduced the total eligible to 69, all of whom were invited to Washington for a briefing on Project Mercury and a personal interview. It was on the basis of these interviews, that 32 men were chosen to undergo detailed physical examination and stress testing; however, it became apparent during this phase that all of the candidates surpassed the established medical standards. Consequently, final screening concentrated on individual engineering and operational performance, and the seven best technically qualified were selected in April 1959 for the Mercury Program.
Note: All ranks for military and uniformed services officers referenced indicate the rank held when the individual was selected for the astronaut program.
M. Scott Carpenter, Lt., USN. Born May 1, 1925. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado.
L. Gordon Cooper, Capt., USAF. Born March 6, 1927. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
John H. Glenn, Jr., Lt. Col., USMC. Born July 18, 1921. B.S. in Engineering
from Muskingum College.
Virgil I. Grissom, Capt., USAF. Born April 3, 1926. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born March 12, 1923. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Alan B. Shepard, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born November 18, 1923. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Donald K. Slayton, Capt., USAF. Born March 1, 1924. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.
An ad hoc selection committee was appointed for each recruiting effort conducted in the search for candidates who qualified for the astronaut training program. Participating in the selection of the original seven were Charles J. Donlan, NASA Space Task Group; A. O. Gamble, NASA Headquarters; Robert R. Gilruth, NASA Space Task Group; and Warren J. North, NASA Headquarters.
Group 2
In April 1962, an announcement was issued from Houston to recruit a second group of astronauts to train for the Gemini and Apollo Programs. Minimum qualification standards were published and disseminated to aircraft companies, government agencies, military services, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and the news media (see Table 1). A total of 250 applications was received from civilian and military sources. Each candidate who satisfied the five basic standards was asked to complete a variety of forms describing academic credentials and flight and work experience in detail. Each was also asked to submit to a thorough physical/medical examination and to forward the results to the Johnson Space Center (then the Manned Spacecraft Center) in Houston, Texas. In June 1962, a preliminary selection committee reviewed this additional information submitted by the individual candidates and selected 32 of the most qualified applicants to participate in further examinations, tests, and personal interviews. Nine pilot astronauts comprised the group finally selected in September 1962:
Neil A. Armstrong, civilian. Born August 5, 1930. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University and attended graduate school at the University of Southern California.
Frank Borman, Maj., USAF. Born March 14, 1928. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
Charles Conrad, Jr., Lt., USN. Born June 2, 1930. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Princeton University.
James A. Lovell, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born March 25, 1928. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy.
James A. McDivitt, Capt., USAF. Born June 10, 1929. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Elliot M. See, Jr., civilian. Born July 23, 1927. B.S. from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and M.S. in Engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles.
Thomas P. Stafford, Capt., USAF. Born September 17, 1930. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Edward H. White II, Capt., USAF. Born November 14, 1930. B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
John W. Young, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 24, 1930. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
The committee for the selection of Group 2 included Warren J. North, NASA JSC; Alan B. Shepard, Jr., NASA JSC; and Donald K. Slayton, NASA JSC.
Table 1. Astronaut Selection History3 1958 to 2000
| Group | Date | Number | Max age | Max Min degree Jet pilot TPS grad Flying | Experience | Outside |
| selected | height level time | help | ||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Group 3
A third call for applications for the astronaut process was issued in June 1963. For this group, the requirement for test pilot school was optional (see Table 1), and the required jet pilot time was reduced to 1000 hours. With this decrease in actual flying requirements, increased emphasis was given to academic areas. A total of 720 applications was received—228 from civilians and 492 from military personnel. Of the 490 certified eligibles, 136 were referred for final screening by the NASA selection board. Fourteen new astronauts were named in October 1963. Two civilians, seven Air Force pilots, four Navy aviators, and one Marine Corps aviator comprised this third group of trainees:
Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., Maj., USAF. Born January 20, 1930. B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy and Sc.D. in Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
William A. Anders, Capt., USAF. Born October 17, 1933. B.S. from U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Charles A. Bassett II, Capt., USAF. Born December 30, 1931. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas Technological University.
Alan L. Bean, Lt., USN. Born March 15, 1932. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Texas.
Eugene A. Cernan, Lt., USN. Born March 14, 1934. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Roger B. Chaffee, Lt., USN. Born February 15, 1935. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University.
Michael Collins, Capt., USAF. Born October 31, 1930. B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy.
R. Walter Cunningham, civilian. Born March 16. 1932. B.A. and M.A. in Physics from the University of California at Los Angeles.
Donn F. Eisele, Capt., USAF. Born June 23, 1930. B.S. from the U.S.
Naval Academy and M.S. in Astronautics from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Theodore C. Freeman, Capt., USAF. Born February 18, 1930. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Richard F. Gordon, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born October 5, 1929. B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Washington. Russell L. Schweickart, civilian. Born October 25, 1935. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
David R. Scott, Capt., USAF. Born June 6, 1932. B.S. from the U.S. Military
Academy, and M.S. and M.E. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Clifton C. Williams, Jr., Capt., USMC. Born September 26, 1932. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University.
The selection committee members for Group 3 were John H. Glenn, Jr.,
NASA JSC; Warren J. North, NASA JSC; Walter M. Schirra, Jr., NASA JSC;
Alan B. Shepard, Jr., NASA JSC; and Donald K. Slayton, NASA JSC.
Group 4 (Scientist-Astronauts)
NASA began recruiting for its first group of scientist-astronauts in October 1964. For this group, flying status was desirable but not a mandatory prerequisite for selection (see Table 1). However, each of those selected was required to pass a Class I military flight physical examination before acceptance to the training program. Emphasis was on graduate work in the natural sciences, such as physics, medicine, engineering, or comparable occupational experience. A total of 1492 letters of interest was received in Houston by January 1965. Some were informal inquiries, but 909 were formal applications. Of the latter, 424 qualified under the minimum criteria established and were forwarded to the National Academy of Sciences in Washington DC for evaluation. The Academy evaluated these applications for conformity with scientific criteria developed cooperatively with the NASA Office of Space and Applications and recommended 16 candidates for final consideration. These 16 applicants underwent thorough physical examinations and stress testing, and six were selected in June 1965 for training as scientist-astronauts. One geologist, two physicians, and three physicists comprised the group, and two in the group were qualified jet pilots. Those without jet pilot experience underwent one year’s flight training before entering the regular astronaut training program. The following were selected:
Owen K. Garriott, civilian. Born November 22, 1930. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Edward G. Gibson, civilian. Born November 8, 1936. B.S. in Engineering from the University of Rochester and M.S. in Engineering and Ph.D. in Engineering and Physics from California Institute of Technology.
Duane E. Graveline, civilian. Born March 2, 1931. Ph.D./M.D. from the University of Vermont and M.S. in Public Health from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Joseph P. Kerwin, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born February 19, 1932. B.A. in Philosophy from the College of the Holy Cross and M.D. from Northwestern University Medical School.
F. Curtis Michel, civilian. Born June 5, 1934. B.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from California Institute of Technology.
Harrison H. Schmitt, civilian. Born July 3, 1935. B.S. in Science from California Institute of Technology and Ph.D. in Geology from Harvard University.
The selection committee for Group 4 consisted of the following members from the National Academy of Sciences Board: Dr. Allan H. Brown, Department of Biology, Joseph Leidy Laboratory of Biology, University of Pennsylvania; Professor L.D. Carlson, Department of Physiology, University of California Medical School; Professor Frederick L. Ferris, Jr., Educational Services, Inc.; Dr. Thomas Gold, Chairman, Astronomy Department, Director, Center for Radio, Physics and Space Research, Cornell University; Dr. H. Keffer Hartline, Rockefeller University; Dr. Clifford T. Morgan, Department of Psychology, University of California; Dr. Eugene M. Shoemaker, Astrogeology Branch, U.S. Geological Survey; Dr. Robert Speed, Department of Geology, Northwestern University; and Professor Aaron C. Waters, Department of Geology, University of California.
The NASA Board consisted of the following individuals: Charles A. Berry, M.D., NASA JSC; John F. Clark, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC); Maxime A. Faget, NASA JSC; Warren J. North, NASA JSC; Alan B. Shepard, Jr.,NASA JSC; and Donald K. Slayton, NASA JSC.
Group 5
The Johnson Space Center launched its fifth recruiting drive in September 1965. Eligibility requirements were basically the same as those used in selecting the third group of astronaut trainees (see Table 1). A total of 510 applications was received, of which 158 (100 military and 58 civilians) met basic requirements. The previously established screening procedures were followed, yielding 19 pilot-astronauts who were selected in April 1966. Selectees were:
Vance D. Brand, civilian. Born May 9, 1931. B.S. in Business and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado and MBA from the University of California at Los Angeles.
John S. Bull, Lt., USN. Born September 25, 1934. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University.
Gerald P. Carr, Maj., USMC. Born August 22, 1932. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California, B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Princeton University.
Charles M. Duke, Jr., Capt., USAF. Born October 3, 1935. B.S. in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Joe H. Engle, Capt., USAF. Born August 26, 1932. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas.
Ronald E. Evans, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born November 10, 1933. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Edward G. Givens, Jr., Maj., USAF. Born January 5, 1930. B.S. in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Fred W. Haise, Jr., civilian. Born November 14, 1933. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
James B. Irwin, Maj., USAF. Born March 17, 1930. B.S. in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering and Instrumentation Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Don L. Lind, civilian. Born May 18, 1930. B.S. in Physics from the University of Utah and Ph.D. in High Energy Nuclear Physics from the University of California at Berkeley.
Jack R. Lousma, Capt., USMC. Born February 29, 1936. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Thomas K. Mattingly II, Lt., USN. Born March 17, 1936. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Auburn University.
Bruce McCandless II, Lt., USN. Born June 8, 1937. B.S. in Naval Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Edgar D. Mitchell, Comdr., USN. Born September 17, 1930. B.S. in Industrial Management from Carnegie Institute of Technology, B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and Sc.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
William R. Pogue, Maj., USAF. Born January 23, 1930. B.S. in Education from Oklahoma Baptist University and M.S. in Mathematics from Oklahoma State University.
Stuart A. Roosa, Capt., USAF. Born August 16, 1933. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado.
John L. Swigert, Jr., civilian. Born August 30, 1931. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado, M.S. in Aerospace Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and M.S. in Business Administration from the University of Hartford.
Paul J. Weitz, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born July 25, 1932. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Alfred M. Worden, Capt., USAF. Born February 7, 1932. B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering and Instrumentation Engineering from the University of Michigan.
The selection committee members for Group 5 were Charles Conrad, Jr.,NASA JSC; L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., NASA JSC; Virgil I. Grissom, NASA JSC;Warren J. North, NASA JSC; Donald K. Slayton, NASA JSC; Clifton C. Williams,Jr., NASA JSC; and John W. Young, NASA JSC.
Group 6 (Scientist-Astronauts)
In September 1966, NASA requested the National Academy of Sciences to nominate a second group of scientist-astronauts. NASA encouraged the Academy to seek experienced scientists of exceptional ability ”to conduct scientific experiments in manned orbiting satellites and to observe and investigate the lunar surface and circumterrestrial space.” The Academy then issued its announcement stating: ”The quality most needed by a scientist serving as an astronaut might be summed up by the single word ”perspicacity.” The task requires an exceptionally astute and imaginative observer but also one whose observations are accurate and impartial. He must, from among the thousands of items he might observe, quickly pick out those that are significant, spot the anomalies, and investigate them. He must discriminate fine detail and subtle insight into a general pattern, and select and devise key observations to test working hypotheses. The selection criteria and procedures were comparable to those used in choosing the first group of scientist-astronauts (see Table 1). Nine-hundred applicants responded, but the Academy recommended only 69 for NASA’s final consideration. Of this number, 11 were chosen:
Joseph P. Allen IV, civilian. Born June 27, 1937. B.A. in Math-Physics from De Pauw University and M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Yale University.
Philip K. Chapman, civilian. Born March 5, 1935. B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from Sydney University; M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics and Sc.D. in Instrumentation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Anthony W. England, civilian. Born May 15, 1942. B.S. and M.S. in Geology and Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Karl G. Henize, civilian. Born October 17, 1926. B.A. in Mathematics and M.A. in Astronomy from the University of Virginia and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Michigan.
Donald L. Holmquest, civilian. Born April 7, 1939. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and doctorates in Medicine and Physiology from Baylor University.
William B. Lenoir, civilian. Born March 14, 1939. B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
John A. Llewellyn, civilian. Born April 22, 1933. B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University College of Cardiff.
F. Story Musgrave, civilian. Born August 19, 1935. B.S. in Mathematics and Statistics from Syracuse University, M.B.A. in Operations Analysis and Computer Programming from the University of California at Los Angeles, B.A. in Chemistry from Mariettta College, M.D. from Columbia University, and M.S. in Biophysics from the University of Kentucky.
Brian T. O’Leary, civilian. Born January 27, 1940. B.A. in Physics from Williams College, M.A. in Astronomy from Georgetown University, and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley.
Robert A. R. Parker, civilian. Born December 14, 1936. B.A. in Astronomy and Physics from Amherst College and Ph.D. in Astronomy from California Institute of Technology.
William E. Thornton, civilian. Born April 14, 1929. B.S. in Physics and M.D. from the University of North Carolina.
The Group 6 selection committee members from the National Academy of Sciences Board were Dr. Allan H. Brown, Department of Biology, Joseph Leidy Laboratory of Biology, University of Pennsylvania; Professor L.D. Carlson, Department of Physiology, University of California Medical School; Dr. Arthur B. Dubois, Division of Graduate Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania; and Dr. H. Keffer Hartline, Rockefeller University.
The Life Sciences Subpanel members were Dr. George V. LeRoy, Medical Director, Metropolitan Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; Dr. Clifford T. Morgan, Department of Psychology, University of California; and Dr. Norton Nelson, Provost, University Heights Center, New York University.
The Physical Sciences Subpanel members were Dr. Edward W. Cannon, Chief, Applied Mathematics Division, National Bureau of Standards; Professor Frederick L. Ferris, Jr., Educational Services, Inc.; Dr. Harry H. Hess, Department of Geology, Princeton University; Dr. John D. Hoffmann, Chief, Polymers Division, National Bureau of Standards; Dr. Phillip Mange, Naval Research Laboratory; Dr. Eberhardt Rechtin, Assistant Director for Tracking and Data Acquisition, NASA JPL; Dr. Eugene M. Shoemaker, Astrogeology Branch, U.S. Geological Survey;Dr. Shirleigh Silverman, Associate Director of Academics Liaison, National Bureau of Standards; Professor Philip N. Slater, Research Professor, Stewart Observatories, University of Arizona; Dr. Robert Speed, Department of Geology, Northwestern University; Professor Edward C, Stevenson, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia; Professor Aaron C. Waters, Department of Geology, University of California; and Dr. Arthur H. Waynick, Director, Ionosphere Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University.
The NASA Board members were Charles A. Berry, M.D., NASA JSC; Max-ime A. Faget, NASA JSC; Owen K. Garriott, Ph.D., NASA JSC; Wilmot N. Hess, NASA JSC; Alan B. Shepard, Jr., NASA JSC; Donald K. Slayton, NASA JSC; and Robert F. Thompson, NASA JSC.
Group 7
This group of seven pilot astronauts, transferred to NASA from the USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) Program when it was cancelled in August 1969. Although there were 13 in the MOL contingent, NASA absorbed only those under the age of 35:
Karol J. Bobko, Maj., USAF. Born December 23, 1937. B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California.
Robert L. Crippen, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 11, 1937. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas.
C. Gordon Fullerton, Maj., USAF. Born October 11, 1936. B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology.
Henry W. Hartsfield, Maj., USAF. Born November 21, 1933. B.S. in Physics from Auburn University. Robert F. Overmyer, Maj., USMC. Born July 14, 1936. B.S. in Physics from Baldwin-Wallace College and M.S. in Aeronautics from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Donald H. Peterson, Maj., USAF. Born October 22, 1933. B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Richard H. Truly, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born November 12, 1937. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Group 8—Space Shuttle Astronauts
In 1978, NASA selected 35 astronaut candidates as the first group to support the Space Shuttle program. One of the 15 pilots was African-American. Six females, two African-Americans, and one Asian-Pacific Islander were among the 20 mission specialists. The candidates reported to the Johnson Space Center on July 1, 1978 to begin a challenging training and evaluation program that included Orbiter Systems training, science and enrichment briefings, and T-38 flight training. After successfully completing this program,the following candidates were qualified as astronauts and received technical assignments within the Astronaut Office to prepare them further for an assignment to a Space Shuttle mission:
Guion S. Bluford, Jr., Maj., USAF. Born November 22, 1942. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Daniel C. Brandenstein, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born January 17, 1943. B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
James F. Buchli, Lt. Col., USMC. Born June 20, 1945. B.S. from U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida.
Michael L. Coats, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born January 16, 1946. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.S. in the Administration of Science and Technology from George Washington University, and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Richard O. Covey, Maj., USAF. Born August 1, 1946. B.S. in Engineering Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University.
John O. Creighton, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born April 28, 1943. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in the Administration of Science and Technology from George Washington University.
John M. Fabian, Maj., USAF. Born January 28, 1939. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Aeronautics/ Astronautics from the University of Washington.
Anna L. Fisher. Born August 24, 1949. B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles and M.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine.
Dale A. Gardner, Lt., USN. Born November 8, 1948. B.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of Illinois.
Robert L. Gibson, Lt., USN. Born October 30, 1946. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University.
Frederick D. Gregory, Maj., USAF. Born January 7, 1941. B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Information Systems from George Washington University.
Stanley D. Griggs. Born September 7, 1939. B.S. from U.S. Naval Academy and M.S.A. in Management Engineering from George Washington University.
Terry J. Hart. Born October 27, 1946. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University, and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Frederick H. Hauck, Comdr., USN. Born April 11, 1941. B.S. in General Physics from Tufts University and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Steven A. Hawley. Born December 12, 1951. B.A. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Kansas, and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Jeffrey A. Hoffman. Born November 2, 1944. B.A. in Astronomy from Amherst College, and Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Harvard University.
Shannon W. Lucid. Born January 14, 1943. B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma, M.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma, and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma.
Jon A. McBride, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born August 14, 1943. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Ronald E. McNair. Born October 21, 1950. B.S. in Physics from the North Carolina A&T University and Ph.D. in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Richard M. Mullane, Capt., USAF. Born September 10, 1945. B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Steven R. Nagel, Capt., USAF. Born October 27, 1946. B.S. in Aeronautical/ Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois.
George D. Nelson. Born July 13, 1950. B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd University, M.S. in Astronomy from the University of Washington, and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Washington.
Ellison S. Onizuka, Capt., USAF. Born June 24, 1946. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado.
Judith A. Resnik. Born April 5, 1949. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
Sally K. Ride. Born May 26, 1951. B.S. in Physics from Stanford University, B.A. in English from Stanford University, and Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University.
Francis R. Scobee, Maj., USAF. Born May 19, 1939. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona.
Margaret R. Seddon. Born November 8, 1947. B.A. in Physiology from the University of California, Berkeley, and M.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.
Brewster H. Shaw, Capt., USAF. Born May 16, 1945. B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin.
Loren J. Shriver, Capt., USAF. Born September 23, 1944. B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Astronautics from Purdue University.
Robert L. Stewart, Maj., U.S. Army. Born August 13, 1942. B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas, Arlington.
Kathryn D. Sullivan. Born October 3, 1951. B.S. in Earth Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Ph.D. in Geology from Dalhousie University.
Norman E. Thagard. Born July 3, 1943. B.S. in Engineering Science from Florida State University, M.S. in Engineering Science from Florida State University, and M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
James D. van Hoften. Born June 11, 1944. B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, M.S. in Hydraulic Engineering from Colorado State University, and Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics from Colorado State University.
David M. Walker, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born May 20, 1944. B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Donald E. Williams, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born February 13, 1942. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
The following individuals were on the rating and selection board for Group 8: George W.S. Abbey, Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Vance D. Brand; Edward Gibson, Ph.D.; Carolyn Huntoon, Ph.D.; Joseph P. Kerwin, M.D.; Jack R. Lister; Glynn S. Lunney; Robert A. Parker; Robert O. Piland; Martin L. Raines; Duane L. Ross; Donald K. Slayton; James H. Trainor, Ph.D.; and John W. Young. Dr. James Tainor was from the NASA GSFC; the remainder were from NASA JSC.
Group 9
NASA selected 19 astronaut candidates for the Space Shuttle program in 1980. The eight pilots and 11 mission specialists included the first Hispanic mission specialist and the first candidate selected from the U.S. Army. The candidates reported to the Johnson Space Center on July 7, 1980 to begin their training and evaluation program. The 1980 astronaut candidate class included:
James P. Bagian. Born February 22, 1952. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and M.D. from Thomas Jefferson University.
John E. Blaha, Lt. Col., USAF. Born August 26, 1942. B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University.
Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Maj., USMC. Born August 19, 1946. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Systems Management from the University of California.
Roy D. Bridges, Jr., Maj., USAF. Born July 19, 1943. B.S. in Engineering Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Astronautics from Purdue University.
Franklin R. Chang. Born April 5, 1950. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and Ph.D. in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mary L. Cleave. Born February 5, 1947. B.S. in Biology from Colorado State University, M.S. in Botany from Utah State University, and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Utah State University.
Bonnie J. Dunbar. Born March 3, 1949. B.S. in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Washington and M.S. in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Washington.
William F. Fisher. Born April 1, 1946. B.S. in Psychology from Stanford University, M.S. in Engineering Science from the University of Houston and M.D. from the University of Florida College of Medicine.
Guy S. Gardner, Maj., USAF. Born January 6, 1948. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University.
Ronald J. Grabe, Maj., USAF. Born June 13, 1945. B.S. in Engineering Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aeronautics from the Tech-nishe Hochschule, Darmstadt, Germany.
David C. Hilmers, Capt., USMC. Born January 28, 1950. B.S. in Mathematics from Cornell College and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
David C. Leestma, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born May 6, 1949. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
John M. Lounge. Born June 28, 1946. B.S. in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado.
Bryan D. O’Connor, Maj., USMC. Born September 6, 1946. B.S. in Naval Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida.
Richard N. Richards, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born August 24, 1946. B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri and M.S. in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida.
Jerry L. Ross, Capt., USAF. Born January 20, 1948. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering form Purdue University and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
Michael J. Smith, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born April 30, 1945. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Sherwood C. Spring, Maj., U.S. Army. Born September 3, 1944. B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona.
Robert C. Springer, Maj., USMC. Born May 21, 1942. B.S. in Naval Science from the U.S. Naval Academy, and M.S. in Operations Research from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
The following individuals served on the rating panel and the astronaut candidate selection board for Group 9: George W.S. Abbey; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Joseph P. Allen, IV, Ph.D.; Vance D. Brand; Harvey L. Hartman; Gregory W. Hayes; Jay F. Honeycutt; Carolyn L. Huntoon Ph.D.; William B. Lenoir, Ph.D.; Robert O. Piland; James H. Trainor, Ph.D.; Paul J. Weitz; and John W. Young. Dr. Trainor was from NASA GSFC, and the remainder were from NASA JSC.
Group 10
In 1984, NASA selected 17 astronaut candidates for the Space Shuttle program. One of the seven pilots was Hispanic, and three of the 10 mission specialists were female. The astronaut candidates who began training at the Johnson Space Center on July 1, 1984 included:
James C. Adamson, Maj., U.S. Army. Born March 3, 1946. B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University.
Capt., USAF. Born November 18, 1951. B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University and M.S. in Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Kenneth D. Cameron, Maj., USMC. Born November 29, 1949. B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics form Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Manley L. Carter, Jr., Comdr., USN. Born August 15, 1947. B.A. in Chemistry from Emory University and M.D. from Emory University.
John H. Casper, Lt. Col., USAF. Born July 9, 1943. B.S. in Astronautics and Engineering Science from the U.S. Airforce Academy and M.S. in Astronautics from Purdue University.
Frank L. Culbertson, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born May 15, 1949. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Sidney M. Gutierrez, Capt., USAF Born June 27, 1951. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.A. in Management from Webster College.
Lloyd B. Hammond, Jr., Capt., USAF. Born January 16, 1952. B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Marsha S. Ivins. Born April 15, 1951. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado.
C. Lee, Capt., USAF. Born August 14, 1952. B.S. in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. George D. Low. Born February 19, 1956. B.S. in Physics from Washington and Lee University, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.
Michael J. McCulley, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born August 4, 1943. B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University and M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University.
William M. Shepherd, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born July 26, 1949. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and M.S. in Ocean Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ellen L. Shulman. Born April 27, 1953. B.A. in Geology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and M.D. from Cornell University.
Kathryn C. Thornton. Born August 17, 1952. B.S. in Physics from Auburn University, M.S. in Physics from the University of Virginia, and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Virginia.
Charles L. Veach. Born September, 18, 1944. B.S. in Engineering Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
James D. Wetherbee, Lt., USN. Born November 27, 1952. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
The members of the rating panel and selection committee for Group 10 included George W.S. Abbey; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Joseph P. Allen IV, Ph.D.; Gregory W. Hayes; Jay F. Honeycutt; Carolyn L. Huntoon, Ph.D.; Robert A.R. Parker, Ph.D.; Duane L. Ross; Paul J. Weitz; and John W. Young. All were from NASA JSC.
Group 11
An additional 13 candidates were selected to train for the astronaut corps in 1985. This group of six pilots and seven mission specialists included two females. They reported to the Johnson Space Center on August 1, 1985. The astronaut candidates were:
Jerome Apt. Born April 28, 1949. B.S. in Physics from Harvard College and Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Michael A. Baker, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born October 27, 1953. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas.
Robert D. Cabana, Maj., USMC. Born January 23, 1949. B.S. in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Brian Duffy, Capt., USAF. Born June 20, 1953. B.S. in Mathematics from the
U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Charles D. Gemar, Capt., U.S. Army. Born August 4, 1955. B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy. Linda M. Godwin. Born July 2, 1952. B.S. in Mathematics from Southeast Missouri State, M.S. in Physics from the University of Missouri, and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Missouri.
Terence T. Henricks, Maj., USAF. Born July 5, 1952. B.S. in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.
Richard J. Hieb. Born Sept 21, 1955. B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from Northwest Nazarene College and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado.
Tamara E. Jernigan. Born May 7, 1959. B.S. in Physics from Stanford University, M.S. in Engineering Science from Stanford University, and M.S. in Astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley.
Carl J. Meade, Capt., USAF. Born November 16, 1950. B.S. in Electronics Engineering from the University of Texas and M.S. in Electronics Engineering from California Institute of Technology.
Stephen S. Oswald. Born June 30, 1951. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Stephen D. Thorne, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born February 11, 1953. B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Pierre J. Thuot, Lt., USN. Born May 19, 1955. B.S. in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.
The Group 11 rating panel and selection committee members were George W.S. Abbey; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Karol J. Bobko; Daniel C. Branden-stein; Mary L. Cleave, Ph.D.; Richard O. Covey; Anna L. Fisher, M.D.; David C. Leestma; George D. Nelson, Ph.D.; Ellison S. Onizuka; Sally K. Ride, Ph.D.; Duane L. Ross; Loren J. Shriver; Paul J. Weitz; Donald E. Williams; and John W. Young. All were from NASA JSC.
Group 12
The 15 astronaut candidates selected in 1987 consisted of seven pilots and eight mission specialists, including the first African-American female and the first candidate from the U.S. Coast Guard. The following astronaut candidates reported to Johnson Space Center on August 17, 1987, to begin training:
Thomas D. Akers, Capt., USAF. Born May 20, 1951. B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri-Rolla and M.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri-Rolla.
Andrew M. Allen, Capt., USMC. Born August 4, 1955. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University.
Kenneth D. Bowersox, Lt., USN. Born November 14, 1956. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.
Curtis L. Brown, Capt., USAF. Born March 11, 1956. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Kevin P. Chilton, Maj., USAF. Born November 3, 1954. B.S. in Engineering Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University.
Jan D. Dozier. Born November 1, 1953. B.S. in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama.
C. Michael Foale. Born January 6, 1957. B.A. in Physics from Cambridge University, M.A. in Physics from Cambridge University and Ph.D. in Physics from Cambridge University (England).
Gregory J. Harbaugh. Born January 15, 1956. B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University and M.S. in Physical Science from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Mae C. Jemison. Born October 17, 1956. B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and M.D. from Cornell University.
Donald R. McMonagle, Maj., USAF. Born May 14, 1952. B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University-Fresno.
Bruce E. Melnick, Lt. Comdr., USCG. Born December 5, 1949. B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida.
William F. Readdy, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born January 24, 1952. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Kenneth S. Reightler, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born March 24, 1951. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Mario Runco, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born January 26, 1952. B.S. in Meteorology from City College of New York and M.S. in Meteorology from Rutgers University.
James S. Voss, Maj., U.S. Army. Born March 3, 1949. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado.
The following individuals served on the rating panel and selection board for Group 12: George W.S. Abbey; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Daniel C. Bran-denstein; Anna L. Fisher, M.D.; Carolyn L. Huntoon, Ph.D.; David C. Leestma; George D. Nelson, Ph.D.; Duane L. Ross; Loren J. Shriver; Paul J. Weitz; and John W. Young. All were from NASA JSC.
Group 13
The 23 astronaut candidates selected in 1990 included 7 pilots and 16 mission specialists. Among the candidates was the first female selected as a pilot and the first Hispanic female selected as a mission specialist. The following astronaut candidates began training at the Johnson Space Center on July 15, 1990:
Daniel W. Bursch, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born July 25, 1957. B.S. in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Leroy Chiao. Born August 28, 1960. B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California-Berkeley, M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California-Santa Barbara, and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California-Santa Barbara.
Michael R.U. Clifford, Maj., U.S. Army. Born October 13, 1952. B.S. in Basic Science from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Kenneth D. Cockrell. Born April 9, 1950. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas and M.S. in Aeronautical Systems from the University of Florida.
Eileen M. Collins, Maj., USAF. Born November 19, 1956. B.A. in Mathematics from Syracuse University, M.S. in Operations Research from Stanford University, and M.A. in Space Systems Management from Webster University.
William G. Gregory, Capt., USAF. Born May 14, 1957. B.S. in Engineering Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, and M.S. in Management from Troy State.
James D. Halsell, Maj., USAF. Born September 29, 1956. B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, M.S. in Management from Troy State, and M.S. in Space Operations from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Bernard A. Harris, Jr. Born June 26, 1956. B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston and M.D. from Texas Tech University.
Susan J. Helms, Capt., USAF. Born February 26, 1958. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aeronautics/Astronautics from Stanford University.
Thomas D. Jones. Born January 22, 1955. B.S. in Basic Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona.
William S. McArthur, Jr., Maj., U.S. Army. Born July 26, 1951. B.S. in Applied Sciences and Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
James H. Newman. Born October 16, 1956. B.A. in Physics from Dartmouth College, M.A. in Physics from Rice University, and Ph.D. in Physics from Rice University.
Ellen Ochoa. Born May 10, 1958. B.S. in Physics from San Diego State, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Charles J. Precourt, Maj., USAF. Born June 29, 1955. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Management from Golden Gate University.
Richard A. Searfoss, Maj., USAF. Born June 6, 1956. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
Ronald M. Sega. Born December 4, 1952. B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, M.S. in Physics from Ohio State, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado.
Nancy J. Sherlock, Capt., U.S. Army. Born December 29, 1958. B.A. in Biological Science from Ohio State and M.S. in Safety Engineering from the University of Southern California.
Donald A. Thomas. Born May 6, 1955. B.S. in Physics from Case Western University, M.S. in Materials Science from Cornell University, and Ph.D. in Materials Science from Cornell University.
Janice E. Voss. Born October 8, 1956. B.S. in Engineering Science from Purdue University, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Aeronautics/Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Carl E. Walz, Capt., USAF. Born September 6, 1955. B.S. in Physics from Kent State and M.S. in Physics from John Carroll University.
Terrence W. Wilcutt, Maj., USMC. Born October 31,1949. B.A. in Mathematics from Western Kentucky University.
Peter J. K. Wisoff Born August 16, 1958. B.S. in Physics from the University of Virginia, M.S. in Physics from Stanford University, and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University.
David A. Wolf. Born August 23, 1956. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and M.D. from Indiana University.
The rating panel and selection board members for the 1990 astronaut candidate class were Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Charles F. Bolden; Daniel C. Brandenstein; Mary L. Cleave, Ph.D.; Michael L. Coats; Richard O. Covey; Steven A. Hawley, Ph.D.; Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Ph.D.; Carolyn L. Huntoon, Ph.D.; Robert A.R. Parker, Ph.D.; Donald R. Puddy; Duane L. Ross; Jerry L. Ross; Rhea Seddon, M.D.; and John W. Young. All were from NASA JSC.
Group 14
In 1992, NASA selected 19 new astronaut candidates in support of the Space Shuttle program. The group consisted of four pilots and 15 mission specialists, including nine civilians and 10 military officers. The following astronaut candidates reported to the Johnson Space Center on August 3, 1992 to begin their training and evaluation program:
Daniel T. Barry. Born December 30, 1953. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University, M.A. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University, and M.D. from the University of Miami.
Charles E. Brady, Jr., M.D., Comdr., USN. Born August 12, 1951. Premed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and M.D. from Duke University.
Catherine G. Coleman, Ph.D., Capt., USAF. Born December 14, 1960. B.S. in Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts.
Michael L. Gernhardt. Born May 4, 1956. B.S. in Physics from Vanderbilt University, M.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
John M. Grunsfeld. Born October 10, 1958. B.S. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.S. in Physics from the University of Chicago, and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago.
Scott J. Horowitz, Ph.D., Capt., USAF. Born March 24, 1957. B.S. in Engineering from California State University at Northridge, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech, and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Brent W. Jett, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born October 5, 1958. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Kevin R. Kregel. Born September 16, 1956. B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.P.A. in Public Administration from Troy State University.
Wendy B. Lawrence, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born July 2, 1959. B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Ocean Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Jerry M. Linenger, Comdr., USN. Born January 16, 1955. B.S. in Bioscience from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.D. from Wayne State University, M.S. in Systems Management, M.P.H. from the University of North Carolina, and Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina.
Richard M. Linnehan, D.V.M., Capt., U.S. Army. Born September 19, 1957.B.S. in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire and D.V.M. from Ohio State University.
Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born May 30, 1958. B.S. in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Scott E. Parazynski. Born July 28, 1961. B.S. in Biology from Stanford University and M.D. from Stanford University.
Kent V. Rominger, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born August 7, 1956. B.S. in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Winston E. Scott, Comdr., USN. Born August 6, 1950. B.A. in Music from Florida State University and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Steven L. Smith. Born December 30, 1958. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and M.B.A. from Stanford University.
Joseph R. Tanner. Born January 21, 1950. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Andrew S.W. Thomas. Born December 18, 1951. B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Adelaide (Australia) and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Adelaide (Australia).
Mary E. Weber. Born August 24, 1962. B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California-Berkeley.
The following persons served on the rating panel and astronaut candidate selection board in 1991: Thomas D. Akers; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Ellen S. Baker, M.D.; Robert D. Cabana; Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Richard O. Covey; Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D.; Robert L. Gibson; Linda M. Godwin, Ph.D.; Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Ph.D.; Carolyn L. Huntoon, Ph.D.; Roger L. Kroes, Ph.D.; David C. Leestma; Paul Lowman, Ph.D.; Donald R. McMonagle; Donald R. Puddy; Duane L. Ross; Rhea Seddon, M.D.; William M. Shepherd; Loren J. Shriver; Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D.; Kathryn C. Thornton, Ph.D.; James D. Wetherbee; and John W. Young. Dr. Kroes was from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and Dr. Lowman was from NASA GSFC. The others were from NASA JSC.
Group 15
The 1995 astronaut candidate class consisted of 10 pilot candidates, including two female pilots, and nine mission specialists. The 19 astronaut candidates were selected through a highly competitive process that evaluated their education, experience, and ability to work as members of a team. This was the first astronaut class to receive training on both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station programs. The 1995 astronaut candidates included:
Scott D. Altman, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born August 15, 1959. B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Michael P. Anderson, Maj., USAF. Born December 25, 1959. B.S. in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Washington and M.S. in Physics from Creighton University.
Jeffrey S. Ashby, Comdr., USN. Born June 16, 1954. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho and M.S. in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee.
Michael J. Bloomfield, Maj., USAF. Born March 16, 1959. B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.
Kalpana Chawla. Born July 1, 1961. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College in India, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas, and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado.
Robert Curbeam, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born March 5, 1962. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and Degree of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineer from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Joe F. Edwards, Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN. Born February 3, 1958. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aviation from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Dominic L. Gorie, Comdr., USN. Born May 2, 1957. B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Kathryn P. Hire. Born August 26,1959. B.S. in Engineering Management from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Space Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Rick D. Husband, Maj., USAF. Born July 12, 1957. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University.
Janet L. Kavandi. Born July 17, 1959. B.S. in Chemistry from Missouri Southern State College, M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Missouri- Rolla, and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Washington.
Steven W. Lindsey, Maj., USAF. Born August 24, 1960. B.S. in Engineering Sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Edward T. Lu. Born July 1, 1963. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University.
Pamela A. Melroy, Maj., USAF. Born September 17, 1961. B.S. in Physics and Astronomy from Wellesley College and M.S. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Carlos I. Noriega, Maj., USMC. Born October 8, 1959. B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California, M.S. in Computer Science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and M.S. in Space Systems Operations from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
James F. Reilly. Born March 18, 1954. B.S. in Geosciences from the University of Texas, M.S. in Geosciences from the University of Texas, and Ph.D. in Geosciences from the University of Texas.
Stephen K. Robinson. Born October 26, 1955. B.S. in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of California, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.
Susan L. Still, Lt., USN. Born October 24, 1961. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle University and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Frederick W. Sturckow, Capt., USMC. Born August 11, 1961. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University.
The 1994 rating panel and astronaut candidate selection board members were Thomas D. Akers; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Ellen S. Baker, M.D.; Kenneth D. Cameron; Kevin P. Chilton; Michael R. Clifford; Brian Duffy;Michael Foale, Ph.D.; Robert L. Gibson; Estella H. Gillette; Linda M. Godwin, Ph.D.; Frederick D. Gregory; James F. Harrington; Bernard A. Harris, M.D.; Steven A. Hawley, Ph.D.; Gregory W. Hayes; Carolyn L. Huntoon, Ph.D.; Tamara E. Jernigan, Ph.D.; Roger L. Kroes, Ph.D.; C. Lee; David C. Leestma; Paul D. Lowman, Ph.D.; David H. Mobley; John F. Muratore; Steven R. Nagel; Ellen Ochoa, Ph.D.; Stephen S. Oswald; Duane L. Ross; Jerry L. Ross; Pierre J. Thuot; James S. Voss; James D. Wetherbee; and John W. Young. Mr. Harrington was from the NASA KSC, Dr. Kroes was from NASA MSFC, and Dr. Lowman was from NASA GSFC. The others were from NASA JSC.
Group 16
In 1996, NASA selected 35 astronaut candidates in support of the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs. This was the largest astronaut candidate class since the first group of Shuttle astronauts was selected in 1978. The 10 pilots and 25 mission specialists included three African-American females and a pair of identical twins. On 12 August 1996, the candidates began a curriculum including extensive Space Shuttle and Space Station training. Upon successful completion of their training, they were qualified as astronauts and began supporting long-duration missions on the International Space Station. The 1996 candidates included:
David M. Brown, Comdr., USN. Born April 16, 1956. B.S. in Biology from the College of William and Mary and M.D. from Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Daniel C. Burbank, Lt. Comdr., USCG. Born July 27, 1961. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Yvonne D. Cagle. Born April 24, 1959. B.A. in Biochemistry from San Francisco State University and M.D. from the University of Washington.
Fernando Caldeiro. Born June 12, 1958. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida.
Charles J. Camarda. Born May 8, 1952. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York, M.S. in Engineering Science from George Washington University, and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
Duane G. Carey, Maj., USAF. Born April 30, 1957. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis.
Laurel B. Clark, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born March 10, 1961. B.S. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and M.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Edward M. Fincke, Capt., USAF. Born March 14, 1967. B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.
Patrick G. Forrester, Lt. Col., U.S. Army. Born March 31, 1957. B.S. in Applied Sciences and Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia.
Stephen N. Frick, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 30, 1964. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
John B. Herrington, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 14, 1958. B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Joan E. Higginbotham. Born August 3, 1964. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois, M.S. in Management from Florida Institute of Technology, and M.S. in Space Systems from Florida Institute of Technology.
Charles O. Hobaugh, Capt., USMC. Born November 5, 1961. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
James M. Kelly, Capt., USAF. Born May 14, 1964. B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
E. Kelly, Lt., USN. Born February 21, 1964. B.S. in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Scott J. Kelly, Lt., USN. Born February 21, 1964. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York Maritime College.
Paul S. Lockhart, Maj., USAF. Born April 28, 1956. B.A. in Mathematics from Texas Tech University and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas.
Christopher J. Loria, Maj., USMC. Born July 9, 1960. B.S. in General Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Sandra H. Magnus. Born October 30, 1964. B.S. in Physics from the University of Missouri-Rolla, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Michael J. Massimino. Born August 19, 1962. B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Technology and Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Richard A. Mastracchio. Born February 11, 1960. B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Connecticut, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and M.S. in Physical Sciences from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
William C. McCool, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 23, 1961. B.S. in Applied Science from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Lee M. Morin, Comdr., USN. Born September 9, 1952. B.S. in Mathematics and Electrical Science from the University of New Hampshire, M.S. in Biochemistry from New York University, M.D. from New York University, Ph.D. in Microbiology from New York University, and M.P.H. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Lisa M. Nowak, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born May 10, 1963. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Donald R. Pettit. Born April 20, 1955. B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona.
John L. Phillips. Born April 15, 1951. B.S. in Mathematics and Russian from the U.S. Naval Academy, M.S. in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida, M.S. in Geophysics and Space Physics from the University of California, and Ph.D. in Geophysics and Space Physics from the University of California.
L. Polansky. Born June 2, 1956. B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University.
Paul W. Richards. Born May 20, 1964. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
Piers J. Sellers. Born April 11, 1955. B.S. in Ecological Science from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) and Ph.D. in Biometeorology from Leeds University (United Kingdom).
Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born February 7,1963. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Daniel M. Tani. Born February 1, 1961. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Rex J. Walheim, Capt., USAF. Born October 10, 1962. B.S. in Mechanical
Engineering from the University of California-Berkeley and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Houston. Peggy A. Whitson. Born February 9, 1960. B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Iowa Wesleyan College and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Rice University.
Jeffrey N. Williams, Maj., U.S. Army. Born January 18, 1958. B.S. in Applied Sciences and Engineering from U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Stephanie D. Wilson. Born September 27, 1966. B.S. in Engineering Science from Harvard University and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas.
The 1995 astronaut candidate rating panel and selection board included the following individuals: Thomas D. Akers; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Ellen S. Baker, M.D.; Robert D. Cabana; Brian Duffy; Michael Foale, Ph.D.; Es-tella H. Gillette; Linda M. Godwin, Ph.D.; Steven A. Hawley, Ph.D.; Gregory W. Hayes; Susan J. Helms; Robert K. Holkan; Donald R. McMonagle; David H. Mobley; John F. Muratore; Bascom W. Murrah III; Duane L. Ross; John A. Rummel, Ph.D.; James D. Wetherbee; and John W. Young. Mr. Mobley was from NASA Headquarters, and Mr. Murrah was from NASA KSC. The others were from NASA JSC.
Group 17
In 1998, NASA selected 25 astronaut candidates to support the Space Station and Space Shuttle programs. The group of 8 pilots and 17 mission specialists consisted of 21 males and 4 females, including NASA’s first Educator Mission Specialist. The astronaut class reported for training at the Johnson Space Center on August 15, 1998. The candidates were:
Clayton C. Anderson. Born February 23, 1959. B.S. in Physics from Hastings
College and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University.
Lee J. Archambault, Maj., USAF. Born August 25, 1960. B.S. in Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana and M.S. in Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana.
Tracy E. Caldwell. Born August 14, 1969. B.S. in Chemistry from California State University-Fullerton and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California-Davis.
Gregory E. Chamitoff. Born August 6, 1962. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from California Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Timothy J. Creamer, Maj., U.S. Army. Born November 15, 1959. B.S. in Chemistry from Loyola College and M.S. in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Christopher J. Ferguson, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 1, 1961. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Michael J. Foreman, Comdr., USN. Born March 29, 1957. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Michael E. Fossum. Born December 19, 1957. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, M.S. in Systems Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and M.S. in Physical Science from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Kenneth T. Ham, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born December 12,1964. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Patricia C. Hilliard. Born March 12, 1963. B.S. in Biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and M.D. from the Medical College of Pennsylvania.
Gregory C. Johnson. Born July 30, 1954. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington.
Gregory H. Johnson, Maj., USAF. Born May 12, 1962. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Columbia University.
Stanley G. Love. Born June 8, 1965. B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, M.S. in Astronomy from the University of Washington, and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Washington.
Leland D. Melvin. Born February 15, 1964. B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Richmond and M.S. in Materials Science from the University of Virginia.
Barbara R. Morgan. Born November 28, 1951. B.S. in Biology from Stanford University.
William A. Oefelein, Lt., USN. Born March 29, 1965. B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Oregon State University.
John D. Olivas. Born May 25, 1966. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas-El Paso, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials from Rice University.
Nicholas J. M. Patrick. Born March 22, 1964. B.A.E. in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, M.A. in Engineering from the University of Cambridge (England), M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Alan G. Poindexter, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born November 5, 1961. B.A. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Garrett E. Reisman. Born February 10, 1968. B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology.
Steven R. Swanson. Born December 3, 1960. B.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of Colorado-Boulder, M.A.S. in Computer Systems from Florida Atlantic University, and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University.
Douglas H. Wheelock, Maj., U.S. Army. Born May 5, 1960. B.S. in Applied Science from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Sunita L. Williams, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born September 19, 1965. B.S. in Physical Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.S. in Engineering Management from Florida Institute of Technology.
Neil W. Woodward III, Lt., USN. Born July 26, 1962. B.S. in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.A. in Physics from the University of Texas-Austin.
George D. Zamka, Maj., USMC. Born June 29, 1962. B.S. in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy.
The members of the 1998 rating panel and astronaut candidate selection committee were Thomas D. Akers; Joseph D. Atkinson, Jr., Ph.D.; Ellen S. Baker,M.D.; Jeffrey W. Bantle; Robert D. Cabana; Kenneth D. Cockrell; Brian Duffy;Estella H. Gillette; Linda M. Godwin; Ph.D.; James D. Halsell; Steven A. Hawley, Ph.D.; Gregory W. Hayes; Susan J. Helms; James A. Hickmon; Robert K. Holkan; Ellen Ochoa, Ph.D.; Charles J. Precourt; Duane L. Ross; John A. Rummel; Ph.D.; Loren J. Shriver; James D. Wetherbee; and John W. Young. Mr. Shriver was from NASA KSC. The others were from NASA JSC.
Group 18
NASA selected 17 candidates for the astronaut class of 2000. The group consisted of 7 pilots and 10 mission specialists, including the first candidate selected directly from the Navy’s submarine community. The following astronaut candidates reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 2000 to begin extensive training in support of the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs:
Dominic A. Antonelli, Lt., USN. Born August 23, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan. B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington.
Michael R. Barrett. Born April 16, 1959. B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington and M.D. from Northwestern University.
Robert Behnken, Capt., USAF. Born July 28, 1970. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from Washington University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology.
Eric A. Boe, Maj., USAF. Born October 1, 1964. B.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Stephen G. Bowen, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born February 13, 1964. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and Degree in Ocean Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
B. Alvin Drew, Maj., USAF. Born November 5, 1962. B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and Physics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and M.S. in Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Andrew J. Feustel. Born August 25, 1965. B.S. in Solid Earth Sciences from Purdue University, M.S. in Geophysics from Purdue University, and Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Queen’s University (Canada).
Kevin A. Ford, Lt. Col., USAF. Born July 7, 1960. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, M.S. in International Relations from Troy State University, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida, and Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Ronald J. Garan, Jr., Maj., USAF. Born October 30, 1961. B.S. in Business Economics from SUNY College at Oneonta, M.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida.
Michael T. Good, Maj., USAF. Born October 13, 1962. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Douglas G. Hurley, Maj., USMC. Born October 21, 1966. B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tulane University.
Timothy L. Kopra, Maj., U.S. Army. Born April 9, 1963. B.S. in Computer Science from the U.S. Military Academy and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
K. Megan McArthur. Born August 30, 1971. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of California-Los Angeles.
Karen L. Nyberg. Born October 7, 1969. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Dakota, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas-Austin, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas-Austin.
Nicole P. Stott. Born November 19, 1962. B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida.
Terry W. Virts, Jr., Capt., USAF. Born December 1, 1967. B.S. in Mathematics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and M.A.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Barry E. Wilmore, Lt. Comdr., USN. Born December 29, 1962. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, and M.S. in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
The following individuals served on the 2000 rating panel and astronaut candidate selection board: Michael P. Anderson; Ellen S. Baker, M.D.; Jeffrey W. Bantle; Robert D. Cabana; Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; Robert L. Curbeam, Jr.; Nancy J. Currie; Estella H. Gillette; Linda M. Godwin, Ph.D.; Steven A. Hawley, Ph.D.; Tamara E. Jernigan, Ph.D.; Ellen Ochoa, Ph.D.; Scott Parazynski, M.D.; William W. Parsons; Charles J. Precourt; James F. Reilly, Ph.D.; Kent V. Rominger; Duane L. Ross; John A. Rummel, Ph.D.; Loren J. Shriver; James D. Wetherbee; David R. Williams, M.D.; and JohnW. Young. Mr. Shriver was from NASA KSC. The others were from NASA JSC.
