Mission
specialist astronauts, working with the commander and
pilot, have overall responsibility for the coordination
of Shuttle operations in the areas of crew activity planning,
consumable usage, and experiment and payload operations.
Mission specialists are required to have a detailed knowledge
of Shuttle systems, as well as detailed knowledge of the
operational characteristics , mission requirements and
objectives, and supporting systems and equipment for each
payload element on their assigned missions. Mission specialists
will perform extravehicular activities, payload handling
using the remote manipulator system, and perform or assist
in specific experiment operations.
Basic Qualification Requirements
Applicants
MUST meet the following minimum requirements PRIOR TO submitting
an application:
1.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering,
biological science, physical science, or mathematics. Degree
MUST BE FOLLOWED by at least three years of related, progressively
responsible, professional experience. An advanced degree is
desirable and may be substituted for part or all of the experience
requirement (master's degree =1 year experience, doctoral degree
= 3 years of experience). Quality of academic preparation is
important.
2.
Ability to pass a NASA Class II space physical, which is similar
to a military or civilian Class II flight physical and includes
the following specific standards:
- Distant
visual acuity: 20/200 or better
uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 each eye.
- Blood
Pressure: 140/90 measured in
a sitting position.
3. Height between 58.5 and 76 inches.
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