Astronaut Group 4

Astronaut Group 4 was the fourth group of astronauts selected by NASA in June 1965. While the astronauts of the previous three groups were required to have college degrees, they were primarily chosen for their test pilot backgrounds. The six members of Group 4, on the other hand, were chosen for their research and academic backgrounds (Doctorate degrees were required and minimum flight time requirements were waived). Of the six, only Schmitt, a geologist, walked on the Moon. Garriott, Gibson and Kerwin all flew to Skylab. Garriott also flew on the Space Shuttle. Graveline and Michel left NASA without flying in space.

Main article: List of astronauts by selection

A chart showing Group 4 assignments in relation to other astronaut groups. Graphed this way, it clearly shows how Group 5 military pilots were assigned ahead of Group 4, with most of Group 4 required to spend a full year at UPT to get qualified as jet pilots (which all of Group 5 and prior groups had done early in their military careers). The requirement for scientists to get qualified as jet pilots was eventually lifted with the creation of the Mission Specialist position in the shuttle program

• Owen K. Garriott, Civilian Physicist

Skylab 3, STS-9

Science Pilot, second American space station mission

• Edward G. Gibson, Civilian Physicist

Skylab 4

Science Pilot, third American space station mission

• Duane E. Graveline, Civilian Physician

Resigned from NASA before being assigned to a crew

• Joseph P. Kerwin, U.S. Navy Physician

Skylab 2

Science Pilot, first American space station mission

• F. Curtis Michel, Civilian Physicist

Resigned from NASA before being assigned to a crew

• Harrison H. Schmitt, Civilian Geologist

Apollo 17

Lunar Module Pilot, last manned lunar landing. Twelfth man to walk on the moon.

[edit] External links

• Encyclopedia Astronautica entry for NASA Group 4
• Spaceline article on NASA Group 4

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