Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

Exploring the Unknown 133
flights. At the end of this competitive testing program all the candidates will
return to their homes and jobs.
During the ensuing period of 2 to 3 weeks, laboratory and other test results
will be evaluated and a small group of men will be finally selected to become
Research Astronaut-Candidates. These men will be notified to report for duty at
NASA, Langley Field, on or about April 1, 1959. Travel and moving expenses for
them (and their families, if married) will be provided.
VI. APPOINTMENTS AND PAY
These appointments are to civilian positions in the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration. They are excepted appointments due to the unusual nature
of the duties and the selection process, but carry the benefits and protections of the
U.S. Civil Service System including a high level of insurance and retirement.
Original appointments of Research Astronaut-Candidates will be to pay
levels commensurate with their backgrounds of education and experience, within
the pay range of $8,330 to $12,770 per year (GS-12 to GS-15).
As these men become proficient in the field, they will become eligible for
Research Astronaut positions with salaries commensurate with those of the most
highly skilled NASA Research Pilots and Aeronautical and Space Scientists.
Document I-21
Document Title: Dr. William S. Augerson, Human Factors Branch, NASA,
Memorandum for Chief, Operations Division, NASA, “Scientific Training for
Pilots of Project Mercury,” 27 March 1959.
Source: Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History
Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.
As the first astronauts were selected for Project Mercury from among the test pilot cadre
in existence in the various military services, questions arose about the other types of skills
NASA desired of those that would fly in space. Since one of the key components of Mercury
was the expansion of scientific knowledge, the scientific community wanted the most qualified
people possible to engage in this endeavor. In addition to the pilot training all astronauts
received before coming to NASA, consensus quickly mounted to further train the Mercury
astronauts to undertake scientific research. The additional scientific training required for
Project Mercury was not rigorous, as demonstrated by this memorandum, but enhanced the
capability of crewmembers to perform experiments on-orbit.
MEMORANDUM For Chief, Operations Division
NASA - Space Task Group, Langley
March 27, 1959