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With Group 4, for the first time, the selection criteria did not include a requirement for test pilot proficiency. Selectees who were not qualified pilots would be assigned to the Air Force for a year of flight training. The primary scientific requirement was a doctorate in medicine, engineering, or one of the natural sciences.
Astronaut Group 3
Astronaut Group 4
Scientist-Astronaut Harrison Schmitt
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Selection of Group Two virtually depleted the pool of qualified candidates from the small corps of test pilots in the country, and it was the last group for which test-pilot certification would be a requirement. The new trainees reported to Houston in October 1962 to begin a two-year training course. A four-day work week was normally scheduled, the fifth day being reserved for public relations duties or for travel.
Group 1, The Mercury 7
Back – See, McDivitt, Lovell, White, Stafford. Front – Conrad, Borman, Armstrong, Young
Astronaut Groups 1 and 2
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Since the lunar module would fly only in space (earth orbit and lunar vicinity), the designers could ignore the aerodynamic streamlining demanded by earth’s atmosphere and build the first true manned spacecraft, designed solely for operating in the spatial vacuum.
Lunar module generations from 1962 to 1969
James Webb examines models of the LEM and CM
Underside of LEM descent stage shows fuel tank installation
LEM Descent Stage
Mockup of LEM cabin with seats
1964 Version of LEM, No Seats and Triangular windows
LEM Sleep Stations
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A few seconds after liftoff, a fin-vane at the base of the booster stuck and started the 13-meter-tall spacecraft-booster combination spinning like a bullet. Twenty-six seconds into the flight the vehicle started coming apart. The abort-sensing system signaled the launch escape tower rocket to fire and pull the spacecraft away…
White Sands New Mexico
Launch Pad Abort Test
Little Joe II, A-001 with BP-12
Little Joe II Flight Profile
Little Joe II Real Emergency.
Little Joe II On the Pad
Little Joe Pad Abort Test
A-001 Launch
Little Joe II A-002
