Astronaut Selection (NASA-MIPR).

Abstract : Since the last technical note, one selection cycle has been run: 26 June - 2 September 1994. A selection cycle had been planned for fall, 1993 but was cancelled by NASA. During the June - September cycle a total of 122 applicants were screened, about 20 applicants for each of the 6 weeks. From these applicants 10 pilots and 9 mission specialist candidates were selected. Among those selected 6 were rated as Exceptionally Well Qualified (EWQ) by the panel, 3 were Qualified+ (Q+), 10 were Qualified (Q), and no selectees were rated Qualified with Reservations (Q-R) nor Disqualified (DQ). Among the entire applicant pool 23 candidates were rated as EWQ. 84 were rated as Q, 15 were rated as Q-R and none were found DQ. Three USAF psychiatrists and two USN psychiatrists served as evaluators; three USAF psychologists, one USA psychologist, and one USN psychologist were evaluators. As in the past briefing and testing began on Sunday at 1200, tests were scored Sunday evening to prepare for the interviews beginning on Monday and lasting through Thursday; out briefs were available for volunteers (as in the past, nearly 100%) on Friday. Staffing occurred each day of interviews at noon and day's end which consisted of a case presentation by the interviewer, testing review by the psychologists observer, group discussion and consensus recommendation. The psychologists divided the applicants tests among them, interpreted the tests and sat in with the psychiatrist as an observer to better integrate the test findings. The psychiatrists dictated reports based on the structured interviews and recommendations. (AN)