How NASA selected the 'Original Nineteen' to endure the lunar frontier
In short: In 1966, NASA faced a crisis: they needed a massive influx of astronauts to meet ambitious lunar goals. The result was the 'Original Nineteen,' a group selected through a grueling process of psychological endurance tests and rigorous academic screening to form the backbone of the Apollo era.
The selection of NASA Astronaut Group 5 in 1966 was driven by the 'Apollo Applications Program,' an ambitious plan for 45 crewed missions. To meet this demand, NASA sought to expand its corps from 33 to over 50 astronauts. From roughly 5,000 applications, only 351 met the basic criteria of height (6 feet or less), a bachelor's degree in science or engineering, and significant jet flying experience. This pool was further narrowed to 159 candidates, including 100 military and 59 civilians.
The screening process was designed to push candidates to their limits. Applicants underwent medical exams at Brooks Air Force Base, featuring encephalograms, treadmill tests, and centrifuge sessions. Some candidates were subjected to what one astronaut described as 'Inquisition-like' tests, such as plunging hands into hot water or pouring cold water into ears. Finally, a seven-member panel, chaired by Deke Slayton, scored candidates out of 30 based on academics, pilot performance, and 'character and motivation.'
The resulting group was uniquely diverse in experience but homogenous in demographics; all 19 were white males. Notably, Joe Engle was the only person hired who already held astronaut wings. This cohort was split into specialists: nine became Command Module (CSM) specialists and ten became Lunar Module (LM) specialists. This early division of roles, decided by Slayton, fundamentally shaped their career trajectories, ensuring that the 'Original Nineteen' provided the core of commanders for the Space Shuttle and the pilots who walked on the Moon.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: NASA Astronaut Group 5
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