Exciting Update on Future of Human Space Flight
Good afternoon! As an official from NASA's Office of Communication, I am here at the Johnson Space Center to provide an exciting update on the future of human space flight and the selection of new human astronauts.
Following the introduction and remarks, the new astronaut candidates will be answering some questions. Let's go to our host, an astronaut and veteran of four space flights.
Welcome to Johnson Space Center
Thank you for joining us at Johnson Space Center today. We are proud of our role in leading space exploration for NASA. We manage space flight programs, develop spacecraft, conduct research, select and train astronauts, and plan and fly human space missions. Today, we are announcing the selection of new astronaut candidates. Help me welcome the following officials:
Vice President Mike Pence
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas
Representative Lamar Smith of Texas
Representative Babb Bit of Texas
NASA's Acting Administrator, Robert Lightfoot
Texas State Senator Larry Taylor
Texas State Representative Dennis Paul
Houston City Council Member Dave Martin
Jessica Hart, representing the office of Senator Ted Cruz
Today, we are introducing 12 outstanding individuals who have been selected from over 18,300 applicants. This is the largest number of applications we have ever received. We want to thank all the people who helped us review and evaluate these applications, including our medical professionals, technical experts, and current astronaut corps.
Welcome to the Class of 2017
Now, it's time to introduce the newest members of our flight operations team, the 2017 astronaut candidates:
Kaley Barren, Lieutenant in the United States Navy, from Richland, Washington
Zena Cardman, biologist from Williamsburg, Virginia
Raja Chari, Lieutenant Colonel from Cedar Falls, Iowa
Matt Dominick, Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, from Colorado
These candidates have diverse backgrounds and impressive qualifications. They are joining Team NASA, where they will undergo rigorous training to prepare for their future roles as astronauts.
Meet the 2017 astronaut candidate class for NASA:
Matt: Systems engineer with a graduate degree from the Naval Test Pilot School
Bob: NASA research pilot with a master's degree in aerospace engineering
Woody: Research assistant with a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science
Johnny: Navy SEAL operator with a degree in mathematics and a doctorate of medicine
Rob: Engineer with a doctorate in engineering and experience as a commercial fisherman
Jasmine: Marine Corps major with a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School
Laurel: Research engineer with a bachelor's degree in aeronautics and astronautics
Frank: Army surgeon with a doctorate of medicine and over 600 hours of combat time
Jessica: Geologist with a doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles
These candidates were selected from a pool of 18,000 applicants and will undergo training to become astronauts at NASA. They represent the pinnacle of American excellence and will inspire future generations. Vice President Mike Pence congratulated the class on behalf of President Donald Trump.
