NASA Group 12 - 1987
Number: 15. Selection announced: 5 June 1987. Requirement: Provide pilot, engineer, and scientist astronauts for space shuttle flights. Pilots: Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. Advanced degree desirable. At least 1,000 flight-hours of pilot-in-command time. Flight test experience desirable. Excellent health. Vision minimum 20/50 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 vision; maximum sitting blood pressure 140/90. Height between 163 and 193 cm.

Mission Specialists: Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics and minimum three years of related experience or an advanced degree. Vision minimum 20/150 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20. Maximum sitting blood pressure of 140/90. Height between 150 and 193 cm.Nickname: The Gaffers (acronym for 'George Abbey Final Fifteen' - the last group selected with George Abbey as Director of Flight Crew Operations. The class motto: 'What's the rush?' since there was expected to be along wait for flights after the Challenger disaste.

First selection after the Challenger accident. 1962 applicants, 117 finalists. Reported to Johnson Space Center on August 17, 1987, to begin their one year training. Seven pilots and eight mission specialists. Two female mission specialists, including the first black woman astronaut. Ten military officers and five civilians (including three from NASA Johnson and one from NASA Marshall).

Akers Thomas (Tom) Dale Akers. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 20 May 1951.
Allen Andy Andrew (Andy) Michael Allen. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 4 August 1955.
Bowersox Kenneth (Ken) Duane Bowersox. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 14 November 1956.
Brown Curtis (Curt) Lee Brown Jr. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 11 March 1956. Flew in space six times.
Chilton Kevin Pathrick (Chili) Chilton. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 3 November 1954.
Davis Dr Nancy Jan Davis. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 1 November 1953. Engineer, was married to astronaut Mark Lee, part of first married couple to fly in space together.
Foale Dr Colin Michael (Mike) Foale. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 6 January 1957. Flew in space six times. 373 cumulative days in space.
Harbaugh Gregory (Greg) Jordan Harbaugh. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 15 April 1956.
Jemison Dr Mae Carol Jemison. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 17 October 1956. Physician. First African-American woman to fly in space.
McMonagle Donald (Don) Ray McMonagle. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 14 May 1952.
Melnick Bruce Edward Melnick. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 5 December 1949.
Readdy William Francis (Bill) Readdy. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 24 January 1952.
Reightler Kenneth Stanley (Ken) Reightler Jr. American Pilot Astronaut. Born 24 March 1951.
Runco Mario Runco Jr. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 26 January 1952.
Voss James Shelton (Jim) Voss. American Mission Specialist Astronaut. Born 3 March 1949.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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