Ten aspiring American explorers officially joined the ranks of NASA astronauts on Tuesday after completing a grueling two-year training program. These graduates, nicknamed “The Flies,” are now eligible for missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and potentially even Mars. The ceremony, held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, also saw the graduation of two Emirati astronauts who trained alongside their American counterparts.
“The Flies” were chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 12,000 applicants in 2021. Their intensive training regimen included mastering simulated spacewalks, robotics, space station systems, and a variety of other essential skills needed for spaceflight.
During the ceremony, NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free addressed the graduating class, acknowledging their exceptional abilities. “You are here because you are the best of the best,” he declared. “We are asking you to take on a tremendous responsibility – to sit at the helm of powerful rockets and venture into the unknown, pushing the boundaries of human exploration.”
This diverse group of astronauts boasts backgrounds in fighter piloting, science, engineering, medicine, and more, with members coming from both civilian and military sectors. Dr. Christina Birch, a graduate with a doctorate in biological engineering, spoke fondly about the camaraderie forged during their training. “We faced numerous challenges together,” she recalled. “There was that time during survival training in Alabama when all our rations ran out. We shared our last bag of peanut M&Ms, a moment that truly solidified our bond.”
Expressing the collective sentiment of the graduating class, Dr. Birch concluded, “We all feel a deep sense of responsibility and immense excitement for the future. We are ready to serve NASA and contribute to humanity’s ongoing journey of space exploration.”
With their sights set on the stars, these ten graduates represent the next generation of American space pioneers. Meanwhile, NASA has wasted no time, opening applications for the next astronaut class with an application deadline set for April 2nd.
