New NASA astronauts graduate, eying Moon — and Mars
by AFP Employees Writers
Johnson House Middle, United States (AFP) March 5, 2024
After two years of rigorous coaching, ten Individuals formally grew to become astronauts on Tuesday, and are actually eligible for deliberate NASA missions to the Worldwide House Station, the Moon, and — if all goes properly — to Mars.
Two Emiratis who educated alongside them additionally graduated Tuesday throughout a ceremony on the Johnson House Middle in Houston.
Members of the category, nicknamed “The Flies,” had been chosen from greater than 12,000 candidates in 2021 and their coaching included simulated spacewalking, robotics, house station methods, and extra.
“You might be right here since you are distinctive,” stated NASA affiliate administrator Jim Free. We ask you to take a seat on the sharp finish of a rocket and danger your life to advance our nation’s aim to discover the unknown.”
They embrace fighter pilots, scientists, engineers, scientists and a health care provider, and are drawn from each the navy and civilian worlds.
Christina Birch, who holds a doctorate in organic engineering, recalled the camaraderie the group developed throughout their time collectively.
“After every week within the Alabama again nation throughout our survival coaching, when all the opposite MRE (ration) meals ran out, we shared collectively one remaining bag of peanut M&Ms,” she stated.
“I do know all the Flies really feel an incredible sense of duty and pleasure for what comes subsequent,” she added. “We really feel prepared.”
NASA instantly opened purposes for its subsequent class of astronauts, with a deadline to use of April 2. Candidates have to be US residents, with a graduate diploma in a science or technical subject, or be at the least two years right into a doctorate, or maintain a medical diploma, or be enrolled in a take a look at pilot college.
The wage is $152,258 — and the job itemizing advises distant work isn’t an possibility.
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