More Astronaut Scientists

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31187, 11 October 1966, Page 22

More Astronaut Scientists

The American National Academy of Sciences is seeking experienced scientists of ! exceptional ability to become astronauts. They will join the National Aeronautics and Space Administration which I will train them to conduct [scientific experiments in manned orbiting satellites, on [the moon and in nearby regions of space. Applicants must be American citizens, not more than 36 years old, and must be less than six feet tall. A doctorate in science, medicine or engineering will be essential and the physical requirements will be the same as for an air force pilot. On top of all of these requirements any applicant must’ be, to quote the academy announcement, "an exceptionally astute and imaginative observer but also one whose observations are accurate and impartial. He must, from among the thousands of items he might observe, quickly pick out those that are significant, spot the

| anomalies and Investigate them. He must discriminate fine detail and subtle differences in unfamiliar situations, synthesise observations to gain insight into a general pattern, and select and devise key observations to test working hypotheses. He must have the good judgment to know when to stop a particular set of observations and turn to the next.” The announcement states that “the quality most needed by a scientist serving as an astronaut might be summed up by the single word ‘perspicacity’.” If the previous intake of astronaut scientists gave any indication, there will be dozens of perspicacious young scientists in America who will jump at this invitation Their work as astronauts will be hard, but not as hard as being chosen in the first place. Their reward will be a place in the hall of fame and the imprint of their footI steps on the moon