Houston, Texas: Ten remarkable individuals have officially joined the ranks of NASA astronauts, marking the culmination of two years of intensive training. Dubbed “The Flies,” this diverse cohort comprises fighter pilots, scientists, engineers, and a doctor, drawn from both military and civilian backgrounds. Their graduation ceremony, held at the Johnson Space Center on Tuesday, heralded their eligibility for upcoming NASA missions to destinations ranging from the International Space Station to the Moon and, potentially, Mars.
In a testament to their exceptional abilities, “The Flies” were selected from a pool of over 12,000 applicants in 2021. Their training regimen encompassed a wide array of disciplines, including simulated spacewalking, robotics, and space station systems.
NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free underscored the significance of their role, stating, “You are here because you are exceptional. We ask you to sit on the pointy end of a rocket and risk your life to advance our nation’s goal to explore the unknown.”
Among the graduates were two Emirati astronauts, highlighting the international collaboration at the forefront of space exploration.
Reflecting on their journey, Christina Birch, a doctorate holder in biological engineering, emphasized the camaraderie forged among the group during rigorous survival training. “After a week in the Alabama backcountry, when all the other ration food ran out, we shared together one final bag of peanut M&Ms,” she recalled. “I know all of the Flies feel a great sense of responsibility and excitement for what comes next. We feel ready.”
With aspirations set on the cosmos, NASA has wasted no time in opening applications for its next astronaut class, with a deadline of April 2. Prospective candidates must be US citizens, possessing a graduate degree in a science or technical field, or be enrolled in a test pilot school, among other qualifications. The salary package stands at $152,258, with remote work not being an option, as per the job listing.
As humanity’s quest for exploration continues, “The Flies” exemplify the pioneering spirit driving mankind’s journey beyond Earth’s boundaries.