NASA Astronaut Group 4

Astronaut Group 4 (The Scientists) was the fourth group of astronauts selected by NASA in June 1965. While the astronauts of the previous three groups were required to have college and some advanced degrees, they were primarily chosen for their test pilot backgrounds. The six members of Group 4, on the other hand, were chosen for their research and academic backgrounds (Doctorate degrees were required and minimum flight time requirements were waived). Of the six, four had previous military experience, with Garriott also having completed the USAF Pilot Training Programme; Schmitt, a geologist, walked on the Moon, while Garriott, Gibson and Kerwin all flew to Skylab. Garriott also flew on the Space Shuttle. Graveline and Michel left NASA without flying in space.

  • Owen K. Garriott, ex-USN, Physicist
Skylab 3 — July–September 1973 — Science Pilot — Second crew of the Skylab space station
STS-9 Columbia — November 1983 — Mission specialist — Spacelab mission
  • Edward G. Gibson, Physicist
Skylab 4 — November 1973–February 1974 — Science Pilot — Third crew of the Skylab space station
  • Duane E. Graveline, ex-USAF, Physician
Resigned from NASA before being assigned to a crew
  • Joseph P. Kerwin, USN Physician
Skylab 2 — May–June 1973 — Science Pilot — First crew of the Skylab space station
  • F. Curtis Michel, ex-USAF, Physicist
Resigned from NASA before being assigned to a crew
  • Harrison H. Schmitt, Geologist
Apollo 17 — December 1972 — Lunar Module Pilot — Last manned lunar landing, twelfth person to walk on the moon

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