Teacher's Desk

Shuttle Aeronautics

Woman's Work

Cmdr Collins

Selection and training NASA accepts applications for the Astronaut Candidate Program on a continuous basis. Candidates are selected as needed, normally every 2 years, for pilot category. Both civilian and military personnel are considered for the program. Civilians may apply at any time. Military personnnel must apply through their parent service and be nominated by their service to NASA.

Astronaut candidates selection process was developed to select highly qualified individuals for human space programs. For pilot astronaut candidates, the education and experience requirements are at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. Three years of related progressively responsible professional experience must follow the degree. An advanced degree is desirable and may be substituted for all or part of the experience requirement (i.e., master's degree = 1 year of work experience, doctoral degree = 3 years of experience). Pilot astronaut applicants must also meet the following requirements prior to submitting an application:

1. At least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft; flight test experience is highly desirable.
2. Ability to pass a NASA Class 1 space physical, which is similar to a military or civilian Class 1 flight physical, and includes the following specific standards for vision: distance visual acuity - 20/50 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20, each eye.
3. Height between 64 and 76 inches.

Selected applicants are designated astronaut candidates and are assigned to the astronaut office at Johnson Space Center for a 1-year training and evaluation period. During this period, candidates participate in the astronaut training program, designed to develop the knowledge and skills required for formal mission training upon selection for a flight and are assigned technical or scientific responsibilities. However, selection as a candidate does not ensure selection as an astronaut.

Final selection is based on satisfactory completion of the 1-year training program. Civilian candidates who successfully complete the training and evaluation and are selected as astronauts are expected to remain with NASA for at least 5 years. Successful military candidates are detailed to NASA for a specified tour of duty.

Eileen Collins, like many other people, set goals for herself in order to accomplish her dreams. Participate in these goal setting activities.

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