NASA'S SCIENTIST-ASTRONAUTS

by David J. Shayler and Colin Burgess.

with Foreword by Owen Garriott

former NASA astronaut

The first astronauts were military test pilots. Science was never at the forefront of their minds - their primary objective was to survive the mission and report on engineering aspects of their flight. In 1965, the first of two teams of NASA Scientist-Astronauts were selected, but not without causing immediate outcires and deep divisions within the ranks of existing astronauts, who hotly contended that the scientists' lack of flight and technical experience could jeopardise the safety of future missions and the crew's lives.

NASA's Scientist-Astronauts:

• Is the first book about NASA's two scientist-astronaut groups from the late 1960s.

• Reveals how their fortunes and careers were shaped or even cut short by budgets, politics and flight opportunities.

• Provides an inside view of the workings of the Astronaut Office.

• Tells how the first astronaut scientists and physicians pioneered the Science Officer role on the ISS.

This incredible story relates how a small number of dedicated scientists helped NASA shape personal scientific research in space. Easily readable and well-illustrated, it is an invaluable source of reference for all spaceflight enthusiasts.