NASA recently celebrated the graduation of its latest astronaut class, affectionately nicknamed “The Flies,” marking another milestone in the agency’s human spaceflight program. As these newly minted astronauts prepare for their spaceflight assignments, NASA has simultaneously announced the opening of applications for its next group of candidates, emphasizing the diverse opportunities ahead in missions to the International Space Station (ISS), the moon, and ultimately, Mars.
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Graduation of “The Flies” and Announcement of New Applications
On March 5, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston hosted the graduation ceremony for the 10 members of the 23rd group of astronauts, known as “The Flies.” This diverse cohort, consisting of four women and six men, successfully completed two years of rigorous training, earning them eligibility for spaceflight assignments. Each member received a silver NASA astronaut pin, symbolizing their readiness for future missions. Notably, this ceremony coincided with NASA’s announcement of its renewed call for astronaut candidates, highlighting the agency’s ongoing commitment to human space exploration.
Meet “The Flies”
The ten graduates of Group 23 include a mix of four women and six men, each with their own remarkable journey and expertise. The cohort comprises Nichole Ayers, Marcos Berríos, Chris Birch, Deniz Burnham, Luke Delaney, Andre Douglas, Jack Hathaway, Anil Menon, Christopher Williams, and Jessica Wittner. Following their two years of rigorous training, these individuals now proudly wear the silver NASA astronaut pin, symbolizing their readiness for spaceflight assignments.
Diverse Talents and Opportunities in the Astronaut Corps
Shannon Walker, deputy chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, commended the unique talents and experiences that “The Flies” bring to the space program, emphasizing the inclusive nature of astronaut recruitment. With the addition of these new graduates, the Astronaut Office now comprises 48 active members, including those currently aboard the ISS. Vanessa Wyche, director of the Johnson Space Center, reiterated NASA’s dedication to diversity and collaboration, citing the involvement of international partners like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in astronaut training and future missions.
NASA Artemis Program and Lunar Exploration
“The Flies” represent the first astronaut class to graduate since NASA’s Artemis program began assigning crews for lunar missions. With Artemis 2 targeted for late 2025, these astronauts may not be the initial candidates for moon landings but are poised to contribute in various technical roles supporting these historic missions. Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 lunar module pilot, reflected on the evolution of astronaut selection and praised the achievements of the new class, underscoring their pivotal role in advancing space exploration.
Recruitment for Future Astronaut Candidates
As “The Flies” embark on their astronaut careers, NASA has initiated the recruitment process for its 24th class of astronauts. Applicants, who must be U.S. citizens, are required to meet stringent criteria, including physical fitness for long-duration spaceflight and educational qualifications in STEM fields or related disciplines. The application process, conducted through the federal government’s USAJobs website, involves an online assessment aligned with modern hiring practices. The number of selected candidates is yet to be determined, offering aspiring astronauts an opportunity to contribute to NASA’s ambitious missions.
Conclusion
NASA’s announcement of a new astronaut class and the opening of applications underscore the agency’s ongoing commitment to human space exploration. With “The Flies” ready to embark on their spaceflight assignments and future opportunities on the horizon, NASA continues to pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and collaborative ventures in space.
Important Links
- NASA Astronaut Selection: USAJobs website
- Artemis Program: NASA Artemis
