The NASA Astronauts Class of 2024 is making waves in the world of space exploration. With their unique backgrounds and experiences, these pilots are ready to take on the challenges of missions to come. In a recent round-robin interview series with Orbital Today, we had the opportunity to gain insights from these exceptional individuals.
Aviation plays a crucial role in the training of NASA astronauts. Whether they are mission specialists or pilots, every student astronaut learns to fly. It is a fundamental part of their journey towards becoming an astronaut. The class of 2024 exemplifies the importance of being a pilot, particularly those with experience as test pilots.
One standout pilot from the class is Nicole Ayers. As one of the first women to fly the F-22 and the first to command an all-female squadron, Ayers brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her advice for aspiring astronauts is simple yet impactful: pursue STEM and become an expert in your field. With 12,000 applicants for just 12 positions, Ayers emphasizes the importance of enjoying what you do, as the path to becoming an astronaut can be a challenging one.
Another pilot who caught our attention is Jack Hathaway. With a background as a naval aviator and experience as the prospective executive officer for Strike Fighter Squadron 81, Hathaway is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He also holds a unique set of international experiences, having completed the Empire Test Pilots’ School in England. Hathaway highlights the significance of collaboration in the field of space exploration, particularly in light of future Artemis-related launches. He emphasizes that the U.S. will continue to work with international partners for the greater good of mankind.
Luke Delaney took a slightly different path to becoming an astronaut. After retiring from the U.S. Marines as a navigator and aviator, Delaney flew for NASA Langley as a Research Pilot for airborne science missions. His expertise in managing projects involving significant platform modifications made him a valuable addition to the NASA Johnson Space Center. When asked about the equivalent of airworthiness in space vehicles, Delaney explained that spaceworthiness is a factor that is built into everything. As new subsystems are added, ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicles is of utmost importance.
Delaney also shed light on the role of humans in Earth Observation (EO) missions. With advancements in AI and satellite capabilities, some may question the need for human involvement in EO. However, Delaney believes that humans still play a vital role. While a combination of humans and computers is necessary for a “blended solution,” humans have the unique ability to identify things that satellites may overlook.
The NASA Astronauts Class of 2024 is an exceptional group of pilots who are ready to embark on new missions and push the boundaries of space exploration. With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they bring a fresh perspective to the field. We are grateful to NASA Johnson Space Center for arranging these interviews and giving us a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of these remarkable astronauts. Stay tuned for our next article, where we will share insights from the mission specialists of the class.
