Want To Be An Astronaut?

NASA is currently accepting applications for mission specialist and pilot astronaut candidates to join the agency as it enters the era of International Space Station and continues the exploration of space. The deadline to submit an application is July 1, 1999.

An application package may be obtained by contacting the Astronaut Selection Office at (281) 483-5907, or writing to NASA-Johnson Space Center Astronaut Selection Office, Mail Code AHX, Houston, TX, 77058-3696. Additional information on selection criteria and application forms are available electronically through the Astronaut Selection Office Web site.

Typically, successful applicants for the mission specialist astronaut positions have significant qualifications in engineering or science, while pilot candidates must have extensive piloting experience in high-performance jet aircraft.

Following an intensive six-month period of evaluation and interviews, the final selections will be announced in early 2000. Successful applicants will report to the Johnson Space Center in Houston as astronaut candidates in the summer of 2000, to begin more than a year of training in anticipation of future space flight assignments.

"With the on-orbit assembly of the International Space Station under way, this is a very exciting time to be in space. The people we choose to be a part of this era in space will be venturing into new and exciting frontiers," said James D. Wetherbee, director of Flight Crew Operations. "I encourage those who are leaders in their fields and work well on diverse, multi-cultural teams to join us as we move into the new millennium."

Applications received after the July 1 cut-off date will not be considered for the 2000 selections but will be considered for the next selection cycle.