November 17, 1997

Eileen M. Hawley
Johnson Space Center
(281) 483-5111

Release: J97-39

Fourth Group of Interviewees Continue Selection Process

The fourth of several groups of prospective astronauts is visiting the Johnson Space Center (JSC) this week for interviews, orientation and medical evaluations as the astronaut selection process continues.

Approximately 100 candidates selected from more than 2,600 applicants, are expected to be interviewed through December for a chance to be among those named as astronaut candidates for the class of 1998. The final selections will be announced in early 1998 with the new class reporting next summer.

The fourth group of 20 applicants includes: Gregorio A. Abad, (Lt. Cdr., USN), Chesapeake, VA; Timothy K. Brady, Houston, TX; Harry E. Cartland, Ph.D., Livermore, CA; Javier de Luis, Ph.D., Cambridge, MA; Robert P. Dziak, Ph.D., Newport, OR; Thomas W. Hartline, Madison, AL; Gerald J. Hopkins, (Lt. Col., USA), Houston, TX; Bryan D. Huey, Philadephia, PA; Todd O. McKinley, M.D., Elk Grove, CA; Christian K. Meyer, Lafayette, CO; Francis D. Morley, (Lt., USN), Virginia Beach, VA; Michael A. Neussl, (Cdr., USCG), Astoria, OR; Garrett E. Reisman, Ph.D., Manhattan Beach, CA; Martin G. Rollinger, (Major, USMC), Ridgecrest, CA; Patrick E. Scheuermann, Picayune, MS; Mary K. Solomon, (Major, USAF), Centreville, VA; Jacqueline D. van Ovost (Capt., USAF), Edwards, CA; Scott D. Vangen, Cocoa Beach, FL; Shannon Walker, Ph.D., Seabrook, TX; and Stephen Walters, (Major, USA), Dothan, AL.

Astronaut candidate selections are conducted approximately every two years with the number of candidates selected depending on Space Shuttle flight rates, overall program requirements and astronaut attrition rates.

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