The Mississippi Enterprise for Technology's digest of business, science and technology news from NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Becoming astronaut still popular
More than 6,300 people applied between Nov. 15, 2011 and Jan. 27 to become a NASA astronaut, the second highest number of applications ever received by the agency. The highest response occurred in 1978 with 8,000 applicants. After a thorough selection process, which includes interviews and medical examinations, nine to 15 people will be selected to become part of the 21st astronaut class. NASA expects to announce a final selection in the spring of 2013. The new astronauts will be the first to launch aboard a commercial rocket to the space station, said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. (Source: NASA, 02/03/12) This region is involved in space programs through NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center.