How eight candidates emerged from a pool of 6,000 applicants
In short: In 2013, NASA selected a new class of astronaut candidates from one of the most competitive pools in the agency's history. Beyond the prestige, these individuals represent a diverse range of military and scientific expertise, all preparing for the next frontier of solar system exploration.
On 30 January 2013, the newest NASA astronaut trainees gathered at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, part of the Smithsonian. Located within the museum's Moving Beyond Earth gallery, this programme aimed to highlight why STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—matters to the public and students. The program even featured live interactions with astronauts Mike Hopkins and Rick Mastracchio, who were participating from the International Space Station.
The selection process was remarkably rigorous. The eight candidates were chosen from a pool of more than 6,000 applicants, marking the second largest group of applicants in NASA's history. The class brought a unique blend of backgrounds, including U.S. Navy lieutenant commanders Josh A. Cassada and Victor J. Glover; U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel Tyler N. "Nick" Hague; U.S. Marine Corps major Nicole Aunapu Mann; and U.S. Army majors Anne C. McClain and Andrew R. Morgan. The group also included specialists like Christina M. Hammock, an electrical engineer, and Jessica U. Meir, a Ph.D. in marine biology.
These candidates enter a demanding two-year training regimen. This process involves technical activities at various space centers and remote locations across the globe. The ultimate goal of this preparation is to equip the crew for missions that push the boundaries of human exploration, specifically targeting new destinations within our solar system, such as Mars and even an asteroid.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2013 Astronaut Class Talks STEM at Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
- Also: NASA's 2013 Astronaut Candidates Promote STEM Education at Smithsonian Event - NASA
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/space-2013-astronaut-class-talks-stem-at-smithsonian-air-and-space.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Space agencies · More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics
