NASA's First Space Shuttle Astronaut Selection - Discover the Extraordinary Journey of the Pioneers Who Ventured Beyond Earth

America's desire to conquer space and explore the unknown led to the birth of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. One of NASA's monumental achievements was the Space Shuttle program, which aimed to develop reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans into orbit and beyond. However, before the space shuttles could embark on their remarkable journeys, NASA had to carefully select and train a group of exceptional individuals to become the first space shuttle astronauts.

The Birth of the Space Shuttle Program

In the early 1970s, NASA began conceptualizing the Space Shuttle program as a cost-effective means of reaching space. The program's primary objective was to make space travel more accessible, allowing astronauts to conduct scientific research, deploy satellites, and even repair and retrieve satellites while in orbit.

The Astronaut Selection Process

The selection process for the first space shuttle astronauts commenced in 1977. NASA sought individuals who not only possessed exceptional physical and mental capabilities but also demonstrated extraordinary intelligence, courage, and determination. The chosen astronauts would be responsible for piloting and operating the groundbreaking space shuttles.

NASA's First Space Shuttle Astronaut Selection: Redefining the Right Stuff (Springer Praxis Books)

by Baby Professor (1st ed. 2020 Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	50338 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	820 pages
Hardcover	:	272 pages
Item Weight	:	1.27 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.63 x 9.21 inches

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Physical and Mental Fitness

NASA subjected the potential candidates to a rigorous physical and mental evaluation to ensure they could withstand the challenging conditions of space travel. Medical examinations, endurance tests, and psychological assessments were conducted to assess their overall fitness and suitability for the demanding mission.

Academic Excellence

The aspiring astronauts were required to have a strong educational background in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field. This academic excellence was crucial in understanding the complex systems and scientific experiments they would encounter during their missions.

Flight Experience

Flight experience was highly valued during the astronaut selection process. Many of the candidates had previously served as military test pilots, possessing the skills and instincts necessary to operate cutting-edge aircraft in dynamic situations. Their expertise in handling complex machinery and making split-second decisions was invaluable.

Character Assessment

Character traits such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability were essential qualities NASA sought in its astronauts. The candidates had to demonstrate their ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain composure under pressure, and adapt to unforeseen challenges that space exploration presented.

The Chosen Few

Out of thousands of applicants, NASA carefully handpicked a select group to become the first space shuttle astronauts. The chosen few included individuals such as John Young, Robert Crippen, Sally Ride, Guion Bluford, and Judith Resnik. These pioneers would pave the way for future space exploration and inspire generations to come.

The selection of the first space shuttle astronauts by NASA marked a significant milestone in human exploration of space. These brave men and women, chosen for their exceptional qualities, embarked on a journey that expanded our understanding of the universe and reshaped our vision of what is possible. Their contributions to science and space exploration will forever be remembered, making them the true pioneers who ventured beyond Earth.

[Image description: NASA's First Space Shuttle Astronaut Selection image showing astronauts in space suits during training.]

NASA's First Space Shuttle Astronaut Selection: Redefining the Right Stuff (Springer Praxis Books)

by Baby Professor (1st ed. 2020 Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	50338 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	820 pages
Hardcover	:	272 pages
Item Weight	:	1.27 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.63 x 9.21 inches

FREE

Unofficially they called themselves the TFNG, or the Thirty-Five New Guys. Officially, they were NASA’s Group 8 astronauts, selected in January 1978 to train for orbital missions aboard the Space Shuttle. Prior to this time only pilots or scientists trained as pilots had been assigned to fly on America’s spacecraft, but with the advent of the innovative winged spacecraft the door was finally opened to non-pilots, including women and minorities. In all, 15 of those selected were categorised as Pilot Astronauts, while the other 20 would train under the new designation of Mission Specialist. Altogether, the Group 8 astronauts would be launched on a total of 103 space missions; some flying only once, while others flew into orbit as many as five times. Sadly, four of their number would perish in the Challenger tragedy in January 1986.

In their latest collaborative effort, the authors bring to life the amazing story behind the selection of the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts, examining their varied backgrounds and many accomplishments in a fresh and accessible way through deep research and revealing interviews. Throughout its remarkable 30-year history as the workhorse of NASA’s human spaceflight exploration, twice halted through tragedy, the Shuttle fleet performed with magnificence. So too did these 35 men and women, swept up in the dynamic thrust and ongoing development of America’s Space Shuttle program.

"This book on the Group 8 Astronauts, the TFNGs, is an excellent summation of the individuals first selected for the new Space Shuttle Program. It provides insight into what it took to first get the Space Shuttle flying. For any space enthusiast it is a must read."

                      - Robert L. Crippen PLT on STS-1                                      

 “As a reader, I had many moments where long, lost memories of the triumph and tragedy of the space shuttle program were brilliantly reawakened at the turn of a page.  Loved it!  This is a must-have book for every space enthusiast’s library.” 

                      -  TFNG Mission Specialist Astronaut Richard ‘Mike’ Mullane, author of Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut

“Many of the anecdotes in the book brought back memories of challenges, opportunities, and a team of men and women who were committed not just to the space program, but to one another...I've gone back to it several times as a reference source.” 

                       -  TFNG Steve Hawley, 5-time Space Shuttle Mission Specialist Astronaut

 "The TFNG book is incredible and amazingly thorough! The detail in the book is awesome! It is my go-to book for any of the details I’ve forgotten."

                       -  TFNG Dr. Rhea Seddon, 3-time Space Shuttle Mission Specialist Astronaut.

"I can't believe how detailed and complete it is!!! FANTASTIC work!!!"

                       -  TFNG Robert L."Hoot" Gibson, 5-time Space Shuttle Pilot & Commander and former Chief of the NASA Astronaut Office