Military Astronaut Trainees Excited, Ready
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2...004091607.html.
{EXCERPT} By Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USA American Forces Press
Service
GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, Greenbelt, Md., Sept. 16, 2004 * When Air
Force Maj. James Dutton Jr. returns from his first space mission, he
hopes to bring back a U.S. flag -- but not just any U.S. flag.
He's to focus on the one planted on the moon 35 years ago by
astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. At least, that's the
request Dutton's oldest son, J.P., 7, made after learning his father
was selected in May as one of 14 new candidates to begin astronaut
training this fall.
Dutton, and fellow servicemembers Marine Corps Maj. Randy Breznik, and
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Cassidy were among the new trainee class
visiting here Sept. 15. The fourth military officer, Army Maj. Robert
Kimbrough, was called away. Recently the group has been touring NASA
facilities to learn about the research and work being done. The
candidates reported to NASA for training Aug. 6.
Dutton, a pilot, said he and other astronauts had already spent a week
in Maine for survival training. They also traveled to the Johnson
Space Center, in Houston. There, they trained in the T-38, a small
aircraft that NASA uses to help pilots maintain their flight
proficiency and where nonpilots learn navigation skills.
This fall or early next year, Dutton said he'll be excited to begin
academic training on the orbiter, space station and space shuttle
systems. For him, that training will begin the fulfillment of a
lifelong dream to explore space.
"As a young kid I was just fascinated with space," Dutton explained.
"The thought of being able to go into outer space and the idea of
being able to work on something that would benefit all mankind is just
amazing."
Cassidy noted there is "no secret recipe" for becoming an astronaut,
even though most candidates hold advanced degrees in math, science and
technology. For example, he has a bachelor's in mathematics from the
U.S. Naval Academy, and a master's in Ocean Engineering from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"The key part is just to get the interview," he said, adding, then
it's a plus to be really nice. "They (the selection board) really look
for nice people. So I guess I'm a nice guy."
Duane Ross, who manages the astronaut-selection process and candidate
basic training program, agreed. He said it takes a mix of attributes
to make a good astronaut candidate. He stressed "education, work
experience and then all the other outside activities people get
involved with that gives them a good broad, diverse background."
"After you've gone through the paper screening and finally bring folks
down to interview for the program, what you're really looking for are
nice people, people who can get along with everybody from kids on up
to members of Congress."
Marine pilot Breznik had felt the odds were too great for him to be
selected. But he said he was "was pleasantly surprised, because I
never thought it was something that was ever going to happen.
"The thousands of people that apply, the caliber of people that they
choose from is something you dream about doing, but you never think
it's going to happen," he noted.
Countering the dream is the inherent danger facing astronauts. The
military astronauts said NASA's past tragedies had no bearing on their
decision, even though they had all applied one month after the space
shuttle Columbia tragedy Feb. 1, 2003. Five of the seven astronauts
killed aboard that flight were serving U.S. military officers.
"Being around aviation, I realize that accidents do happen," Breznik
said. "For me personally, it didn't shake my confidence in the space
program; however, it just reiterates how dangerous space travel is."
Added Dutton: "We each had a chance to think the Columbia tragedy
through. Risk is inherent to exploration, and space flight is
dangerous, we know that."
"But it's worthwhile, and something that's worthwhile is worth taking
the risk," he said.
Cassidy emphasized that "being in the military, you understand about
mitigating risks and choosing the course of action that will best
mitigate that risk." He said NASA has done a good job of mitigating
risks with "good solid engineering practices and safety checks."
Meanwhile, the astronauts said they are anxious to get on with their
training and one day finally travel to space. "To see our planet from
the outside will be just amazing," Dutton said, "to see how incredible
this planet is in the middle of the universe."
"NASA has been very honest with us and said it's going to be a few
years, so just enjoy the training, noted Cassidy. "But I know it will
happen one day."
That far-off day can't come too soon for Cassidy's 5-year-old son.
Cassidy said after only a week of training, he was met at the door
each day by Colin, who excitedly asked the same questions over and
over:
"Did you go to the moon, today, Dad? Did you go to the moon today? I
know you didn't go yesterday, but did you go today, Dad?"
Related Site: NASA [
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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com
(310) 532-0634