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Author
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Topic: Apollo: Why only one geologist in Group 4?
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carmelo
Member Posts: 1051
From: Messina, Sicilia, Italia
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 09-06-2016 12:01 AM
   
NASA's Group 4, the first group of astronaut-scientists, was selected in 1965 at the apex of Apollo program. Six men were selected, three physicists, two physicians and a geologist.In 1965-66 were expected many flights on the moon, and subsequently a moon base as next logical step. No one imagined that the exploration of the moon would be closed after only six landing missions. So why NASA selected only one geologist (Schmitt) in the Group 4? |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1428
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 09-06-2016 01:25 AM
Perhaps NASA thought that astronaut training in that field might suffice? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 43576
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-06-2016 02:06 AM
The scientist-astronauts were selected at the urging of the National Academy of Sciences; NASA itself was not interested in sending scientists to the moon. As the late Curt Michel said: When we were selected at the urging of the National Academy, the idea was they wanted scientists to be sent to the moon. But when we got in, the astronaut office's idea was to use the scientists after the lunar missions. By 1965, the public may not have been expecting an early end to Apollo, but NASA was acutely aware that the program would be limited. Before he died, President Kennedy rejected NASA's requests to expand Apollo's scope beyond the political goals that defined it. Even under Johnson's lead, the moon landings were a secondary priority after the problems faced on domestic and foreign fronts. By the time Nixon took office, enthusiasm for the moon landings had all but evaporated both in the White House and on Capitol Hill. The public may have dreamt of future moon bases, and small divisions within NASA may have even drawn up plans, but there was little to no political support for anything much beyond Apollo 11, and thus, no need or desire for more geologists. | |
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