December 1, 1997

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

Release: J97-40

Fifth Group of Interviewees Participate in Selection Process

The fifth of several groups of prospective astronauts will visit the Johnson Space Center (JSC) the week of December 5 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 fifth group of 21 applicants includes: Christopher A. Apblett, Ph.D., Austin, TX; Tucker R. Balch, Atlanta, GA; Michael R. Barratt, M.D., League City, TX; Barbara K. Craig, Ph.D., Austin, TX; Richard M. Davis, League City, TX; Michael P. DeMasie, Houston, TX; John F. Donovan, Ph.D., Manchester, MO; William A. Ehrenstrom, Houston, TX; E. Michael Engle, Houston, TX; Deborah L. Falley, San Diego, CA; Ellis C. Gayles, Ph.D., Aurora, CO; Gardell G. Gefke, Bethesda, MD; Laura H. Hembree, League City, TX; Gregory C. Johnson, Friendswood, TX; Smith L. Johnston, M.D., Houston, TX; Stanley N. Koszelak, Ph.D., Riverside, CA; Christopher K. Salvino, M.D., Orland Park, IL; William J. Spiesman, Ph.D., Austin, TX; Richard S. Stapp (Major, USAF), Colorado Springs, CO; Joseph S. Stich, League City, TX; and Thomas A. Sullivan, Ph.D., Houston, TX.

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.

text-only version of this release