NASA,30 Years Ago: NASA Selects its 15th Group of Astronauts

30 Years Ago: NASA Selects its 15th Group of Astronauts

On December 9, 1994, NASA announced the selection of its 15th group of astronauts, known as the “Astronaut Class of 1994” or the “TFN” (Thirty-Ninth Flight Attendant) class. This group consisted of 15 individuals, including 12 men and 3 women, who were chosen from a pool of over 2,500 applicants.

The selection process for the Astronaut Class of 1994 was highly competitive, and the candidates underwent a rigorous series of evaluations, including interviews, physical exams, and psychological tests. The final 15 candidates were chosen based on their exceptional qualifications, which included a wide range of experience in science, engineering, and military service.

The Astronaut Class of 1994 included a diverse group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The group included:

  • Daniel M. Bursch: A naval aviator and engineer who later served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions.
  • Charles J. Camarda: A physicist and former NASA research scientist who later served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Michael A. Gernhardt: A physician and former astronaut candidate who later became the chief medical officer for NASA’s Space Shuttle program.
  • Wendy B. Lawrence: A biochemist and former NASA engineer who later served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Paul S. Lockhart: A physician and former astronaut candidate who later became the chief medical officer for NASA’s International Space Station program.
  • Robert L. Curbeam Jr.: A naval aviator and engineer who later served as a mission specialist on five Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Soichi Noguchi (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency): A Japanese astronaut who later served as a mission specialist on three Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Sidney M. Gutierrez: An engineer and former astronaut candidate who later became the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
  • Mark E. Kelly: A naval aviator and engineer who later served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Scott J. Horowitz: A physician and former astronaut candidate who later became the chief medical officer for NASA’s Human Spaceflight Operations Directorate.
  • Tamara E. Jernigan: An engineer and former astronaut candidate who later served as a mission specialist on five Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Steven L. Smith: An engineer and former astronaut candidate who later became the director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
  • Rex J. Walheim: A naval aviator and engineer who later served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions.
  • Nancy J. Currie: A physician and former astronaut candidate who later served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.
  • Donald A. Thomas: A physicist and former astronaut candidate who later became the director of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

The Astronaut Class of 1994 went on to make significant contributions to NASA’s space exploration program. Many of them served as mission specialists on Space Shuttle missions and the International Space Station, and several went on to hold leadership positions within NASA. The selection of this group of highly qualified and diverse astronauts helped to ensure the continued success of NASA’s human spaceflight program.


30 Years Ago: NASA Selects its 15th Group of Astronauts

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