
The Space Shuttle: 4. The 35 new guys
13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle
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NASA's New Era of Astronaut Recruitment
This chapter delves into the transformative changes in NASA's astronaut selection process during the late 1970s, focusing on the introduction of the mission specialist role and the push for greater diversity. It illustrates the personal journeys of aspiring astronauts, including Kathy Sullivan, and highlights the rigorous selection criteria that emphasize collaboration over traditional pilot archetypes. Through the stories of hopeful candidates, the chapter paints an emotional picture of dreams, challenges, and the surreal experience of receiving an acceptance call from NASA.
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