New NASA astronaut class to skip shuttle

[United Press International]

WASHINGTON, May 10 (UPI) -- NASA's newest class of astronaut
candidates could become the first U.S. spacefarers since the 1970s
to pilot spacecraft that are not space shuttles.
Senior NASA sources Monday told United Press International
the candidates also may become the first generation of astronaut
pilots, scientists and engineers to set foot upon the moon since
Apollo 17 landed in the valley of Taurus Littrow in December 1972.
Members of the astronaut class of 2004 who graduate may reportedly
fly to the International Space Station for their space experiences
aboard the Russian Soyuz craft, but also would receive preliminary
training to go beyond orbit.
But given the average age of the 11 class members -- from
the mid 30s to early 40s -- they are considered unlikely to be young
enough to fly NASA-crewed missions to Mars, which are believed to be
at least 20 or 30 years distant.
"This will be the first class that will fly the
Constellation (crew exploration vehicles)," predicted a senior NASA
source.
The 11 candidates must undergo a rigorous training and
academic program before becoming qualified as full astronauts. They
include educators, pilots, engineers, a flight surgeon, an
orthopedic surgeon and a technical manager.
UPI also learned the original class of candidates consisted
of 12, but when informed they would not be flying the space
shuttles, one candidate withdrew.