It is NASA policy to maintain an integrated Astronaut Corps. This subpart 1214.11 sets forth NASA procedures and assigns responsibilities for recruitment and selection of astronaut candidates. It applies to all pilot and mission specialist astronaut candidate selection activities conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(a) Astronaut candidate opportunities Will be announced nationwide and publicized periodically unless specifically canceled by NASA.

(b) Civilian applicants may apply at any time.

(c) Military personnel on active duty must apply through and be nominated by the military service with which they are affiliated. Military nominees will not be part of the continuing pool of applicants. The military services will convene their internal selection boards and provide nominees to NASA. The military nominees will be evaluated by NASA and the military services will be notified promptly of those nominees who are finalists.

(d) The Assistant Administrator for Equal Opportunity Programs, NASA Headquarters, will provide assistance in the recruiting process.

(a) All incoming applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not applicants meet basic qualifications. Those not meeting the basic qualification requirements will be so notified and will not be eligible for further consideration. Those meeting the basic qualification requirements will have their applications retained for review by a designated rating panel.

(b) A rating panel composed of discipline experts will review and rate qualified applicants as “Qualified” or “Highly Qualified.”

(c) Efforts will be made to ensure that minorities and females are included among these discipline experts on the rating panel.

(d) The criteria for each level will be developed and will serve as the basis for the ratings. The evaluation will be based on the quality of the individual's academic background and experience and the extent to which the individual's academic achievements, experience, and special qualifications relate to the astronaut candidate position. Reference information on those rated “Highly Qualified” will normally be obtained. This evaluation process will be monitored to ensure adherence to applicable policy, laws, and regulations.

(e) Those rated “Highly Qualified” may be required to obtain a Class I or Class II physical. Only medically qualified applicants will be referred for final evaluation and possible interview and selection. Those who are not medically qualified will be so informed and will not be eligible for further consideration.

(a) The JSC Director, or designee, is responsible for identifying the need for additional astronaut candidates and for obtaining necessary approval to make selections.

(b) Once such approval has been obtained, a cutoff date for the acceptance of applications will be established. Applications received after the date of the request will be maintained and processed for the next selection.

(a) A selection board consisting of discipline experts, and such other persons as appropriate, will further evaluate and rank the “Highly Qualified” applicants.

(b) Efforts will be made to assure that minorities and females are included on this board.

(c) The “Highly Qualified” applicants who are determined to be the “Best Qualified” will be invited to the Johnson Space Center for an interview, orientation, and detailed medical evaluation.

(d) Background investigations will normally be initiated on those applicants rated “Best Qualified.”

Final rankings will be based on a combination of the selection board's initial evaluations and the results of the interview process. Veteran's preference will be included in this final ranking in accordance with applicable regulations.

The selection board will recommend to the JSC Director its selection of candidates from among those finalists who are medically qualified. The number and names of candidates selected to be added to the corps will be approved, as required, by JSC/ NASA management and the Associate Administrator for Space Flight, prior to notifying the individuals or the public.

Selectees and the appropriate military services will be notified and the public informed. All unsuccessful qualified applicants will be notified of nonselection and given the opportunity to update their applications and indicate their desire to receive consideration for future selections.