NASA Group 6

Scientist Astronauts

August, 1967

Allen, Joseph P. (Civilian/Physicist)

Chapman, Philip K. (Civilian/Physicist)

England, Anthony W. (Civilian/Geologist)

Henize, Karl G. (Civilian/Astronomer)

Holmquest, Donald L. (Civilian/Physician)

Lenoir, William B. (Civilian/Electrical Engineer)

Llewellyn, John A. (Civilian/Chemist)

Musgrave, Story (Civilian/Physician)

O’Leary, Brian T. (Civilian/Astronomer)

Parker, Robert A.R. (Civilian/Astronomer)

Thornton, William E. (Civilian/Physician)

NASA Group 6 Background

By Cliff Lethbridge

While both NASA and the National Academy of Science had expressed disappointment in the quality of Scientist Astronaut candidates applying during the fourth astronaut draft, the proposed Apollo Applications program created a need for more astronauts with scientific expertise.

Although it never materialized, the Apollo Applications program was an ambitious effort intended to augment the Apollo lunar exploration program. Although it did not involve lunar landings, the Apollo Applications program sought to apply Apollo technology to the long-term study of Earth and the Moon.

Specifically, Apollo spacecraft would have been modified to support long-duration orbital flights around the Earth and the Moon with the purpose of generating volumes of scientific observations in a number of disciplines.

With the hope of attracting a more diverse group of applicants from which to choose, maximum age for the new crop of Scientist Astronauts was raised to not older than 40, and the citizenship requirement was broadened to include both native and naturalized U.S. citizens.

In all other respects, qualifications during this draft were identical to those for NASA Group 4. A total of about 500 Scientist Astronaut candidates applied during this draft. Of these, 11 were selected.