Can Nasa change its culture? - 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts:

• Mercury 7: The first group of American astronauts, all military test pilots.
• The Right Stuff: Qualities associated with the Mercury 7, including skill, confidence, and heroism.
• Mission Specialist: A new astronaut role for the Space Shuttle program, requiring scientists, engineers, and doctors, not just pilots.
• Space Shuttle: A reusable spacecraft designed for various missions, including deploying satellites and conducting scientific experiments.
• TFNGs (Thirty-Five New Guys): The nickname for the 1978 class of astronauts, representing a shift towards diversity and specialized skills.
• EVA (Extravehicular Activity): Spacewalk.

1. Introduction: The Mercury 7 and the Need for Change

• In 1959, NASA introduced the Mercury 7 astronauts, all white, clean-shaven, male military test pilots, embodying "The Right Stuff."
• By the mid-1970s, NASA faced declining public support and needed to redefine its image and recruit astronauts with diverse backgrounds.
• Nichelle Nichols, known as Lieutenant Uhura from Star Trek, was recruited to help promote NASA's new astronaut program.

2. Redefining "The Right Stuff": The Mission Specialist Role

• The Space Shuttle program introduced the "Mission Specialist" role, opening opportunities for scientists, engineers, and medical doctors.
• This shift allowed individuals like Kathy Sullivan, an oceanographer, and Mike Mullane, an aeronautical engineer with imperfect eyesight, to apply.
• Carolyn Huntoon, Head of Life Sciences at NASA, became the first woman on the astronaut selection board, ensuring qualified women were considered.

3. The Selection Process: Testing and Interviews

• NASA organized ten selection weeks, narrowing down over 8,000 applicants to around 200.
• Candidates underwent physical, psychological, and team-based tests, including a panel interview with astronauts and managers.
• The interview focused on personality and teamwork skills, moving away from the "lone wolf" image of the Mercury 7.
• Mike Mullane noted that embodying the "Right Stuff" image during the interview would guarantee rejection.

4. The Announcement and Reactions

• Kathy Sullivan received a phone call from George Abbey, Director of Flight Operations, offering her a position as an astronaut.
• Mike Mullane found out about his selection while watching TV, noting the media's focus on the new female astronauts.
• The announcement marked a significant shift in NASA's approach to astronaut selection.

5. The 35 New Guys: Diversity and Initial Tensions

• The 1978 class of astronauts, nicknamed the "TFNGs," included three African-American astronauts, one Asian-American, and six women.
• The group's diversity led to initial tensions, with some veteran astronauts and new recruits questioning the capabilities of civilians and women.
• Anna Fisher, who was inspired by Alan Shepard's flight as a child, was among the new recruits.

6. Training and Integration

• The TFNGs underwent extensive training, including classroom lessons, T-38 fighter jet flights, and simulations.
• Military test pilots had to prove themselves academically, while mission specialists had to demonstrate their adaptability to working in space.
• Kathy Sullivan noted that the women had to prove they were tough enough and had been challenged enough.

7. First Flights and Sally Ride's Impact

• After a year and a half of training, the TFNGs were officially considered astronauts, but it took nearly five years for any of them to launch into space.
• Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on STS-7, a mission with four rookies and Bob Crippen as commander.
• Ride downplayed the significance of her gender, emphasizing that women should be able to do any job they want.

8. Flight Assignments and Ground Roles

• Astronauts were assigned to different jobs on the ground while waiting for their flight assignments, which were determined by George Abbey.
• The selection process for flight assignments was never discussed with the astronauts, adding to the anticipation and uncertainty.

9. Kathy Sullivan's Spacewalk

• Kathy Sullivan was selected for a seven-day flight with earth science experiments and a spacewalk.
• On October 11, 1984, Sullivan became the first American woman to walk in space, practicing a procedure for refueling a satellite.
• Commander Bob Crippen reminded Sullivan and Dave Leestma to take a break and appreciate the view of Earth during their spacewalk.

10. Reflection and Transformation

• With the 35 New Guys, NASA redefined what it means to be an astronaut and who can be an astronaut.
• Mike Mullane, who initially doubted the capabilities of civilians and women, grew to respect and admire his new colleagues.
• Nasa created a multi-faceted team for a multi-faceted vehicle, in a new and different America.

11. Conclusion

• The 35 New Guys represented a significant shift in NASA's approach to astronaut selection, embracing diversity and specialized skills.
• The program transformed not only NASA but also the perspectives of some of the astronauts themselves, paving the way for a more inclusive future in space exploration.