2017 Astronaut Candidate Class News Conference | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Twelve new astronaut candidates from diverse backgrounds share their inspirations and aspirations for space exploration.

Key Insights

• 👾 The candidates' passion for space exploration was often sparked by childhood experiences, such as watching space shuttle launches or attending space camp.
• 👾 Nuclear propulsion, such as nuclear thermal propulsion, is being considered for both surface power and propulsion systems for future space exploration missions.
• 👾 The candidates recognize the importance of teamwork and problem-solving skills required for successful space missions.
• 🖐️ NASA's outreach and education programs, such as internships and field experiences, have played a significant role in inspiring and preparing aspiring astronauts.
• 👾 The candidates hope to contribute to the understanding of Earth's fragility and promote international collaboration for future space exploration.
• 🛟 Balancing family life with a demanding career in space exploration is crucial, and the candidates emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• 🧑‍🚀 Each candidate brings unique knowledge and skills to the astronaut candidate class, contributing to the diversity and expertise within the program.

Transcript

good afternoon and welcome back to the space vehicle mock-up facility at johnson space center we are here with 12 new brand new astronaut candidates who are going to make up the 2017 astronaut candidate class and we have just a little while with them for folks here in the audience to ask questions but before we do i'm going to go through their name... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How many of the candidates knew they wanted to be astronauts since childhood?

While some candidates had childhood dreams of becoming astronauts, others discovered their passion for space exploration later in life. Different experiences, such as attending space camp or witnessing space shuttle launches, influenced their career choices.

Q: What are the candidates' thoughts on nuclear thermal propulsion for deep space exploration?

One of the candidates, Kayla Barron, with a background in nuclear engineering, is interested in nuclear propulsion. However, they acknowledge that they are still in the early stages of their training and do not have extensive knowledge on the specific technologies NASA is working on.

Q: What destinations or vehicles were the candidates told they might be going to during the selection process?

The candidates were informed about the potential use of SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner spacecraft for transportation to the International Space Station. Future missions to Mars and other destinations were also mentioned, although details were unclear at the time of the interview.

Q: How does the 2017 astronaut candidate class differ from previous classes?

This class was selected based on their skills and experiences relevant to longer-term spaceflights, including extended stays on the International Space Station and potential deep space missions. Many candidates have backgrounds in remote and extreme environments, such as working in Antarctica or on submarines.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Twelve astronaut candidates from various backgrounds and experiences are introduced at the Johnson Space Center.

• Each candidate shares their inspirations and experiences that led them to pursue a career in space exploration.

• The candidates discuss their hopes for the future, including deep space exploration and the potential for discovering new knowledge.

• The importance of teamwork, dedication, and pursuing one's passion is emphasized by the candidates.