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

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First Steps into Space: Projects Mercury and Gemini
Subject: Scientific training for pilots of Project Mercury
1. It is recommended that pilots of Project Mercury be given graduate level
training in areas relating to astronautics and geophysics. It is further recommended
that they receive this training early in the course of the project.
2. Justification
a. Background information in the area of astronautics is an important
requisite to understanding of the environment into which
these men will be traveling. It will aid them in understanding
the vehicle design and the operational procedures. While some
of this information can be provided by Space Task Group engineers,
they will not have time to provide more than a minimum
of information in this area.
b. It has been stated officially that Project Mercury will investigate
human performance in space environment. Since one of the
important scientific and peaceful activities of man in space is
scientific observation, simple scientific observations should be
made by the astronaut. To make these observations, training will
be required. The following areas are possible activities:
i. Simple astronomical observations; that is, coronal studies.
ii. Simple meteorological observations; that is, synoptic
weather reports from visual observations and
photographs.
iii. Simple biophysical studies.
iv. Radiation physics studies
c. These pilots will become important “scientific ambassadors” after
completing this mission, and should have a general knowledge
in areas related to astronautics. This may be of additional importance
in a period when other nations may ridicule our space
effort as an unscientific stunt. Even in this country, there are
persons who believe this project should be more than an aerodynamic
flight study. [2]
d. By giving training early, there will be less interference with the
project and will provide time for individual growth along lines of
personal interest.
e. By equipping pilots with training in these areas, we may provide
an extra benefit from this project in terms of useful information
obtained. It is believed that their grasp of the whole project may
be improved.