Page:JSC News Release Log 1990.pdf/75



National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 77058 AC 713 483-5111

Rh Jeffrey Carr Release No. 90-036

Astronaut Class of 1990 Reports for Duty

Media Reception Planned

Members of the astronaut candidate class of 1990 will report to the Johnson Space Center Monday, July 16, to begin a year of candidate training and evaluation. The 23 candidates were selected earlier this year from nearly 2000 qualified applicants.

Their first week on the job will consist primarily of orientation briefings and tours, in addition to physiological training which is prerequisite to 1-38 flight training. The following several months will consist of intensive instruction in the fundamentals of aerodynamics, electronics, and computers, as well as in Shuttle systems and operations.

Candidates will also receive training in water and wilderness survival techniques, SCUBA, and will attend lectures on a variety of subjects ranging from space flight history to Shuttle applied sciences.

The group includes 7 pilot candidates and 16 mission specialist candidates. Of the 23 candidates, 11 are civilians and 12 are military officers. Among the 5 women selected, 3 are military officers, including the first woman to be named as a Pilot candidate, and the first Hispanic woman to be selected.

A brief reception is planned for 1:00 p.m. CDT on the 16th to introduce the candidates to accredited news media. Photo opportunities and brief interviews will be accommodated as time permits. Media who are interested in attending should contact the JSC News Center at 713/483-5111.