Friday, March 6, 2015
Ch. 1
In chapter one, we see the whole process that astronauts must partake in to make the cut. There are ten candidates that are selected for this process. They are then tested in many interesting and unique processes to see who are the most effective candidates. Throughout the testing the candidates are watched and observed through 24/7 video surveillance in chambers. The candidates must all partake in activities that test their teamwork skills and critical thinking. They even due some random things such as make origami. In the end, only 2 of the ten candidates selected to partake are picked. I think I found this chapter so fascinating because of how it showed you just how unique and yet difficult the training of an astronaut really is. I can't imagine what it would be like to go through all these processes. I feel like I personally would be so paranoid in a lot of ways. I am a guy that is more about keeping to myself privately. I don't like people being in my business and I definitely would feel weird knowing someone is watching me the entire time I am training.
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I found this chapter interesting, also. I especially liked the sentence, “An intelligent highly motivated person can hide undesirable facets of his or her character in an interview or on a questionnaire - but not so easily under a week long observation.” So many times, people pretend to be someone or something they are not in order to get what they want. The process used to choose astronauts is important because the “real” person must be uncovered. The tasks used seemed simple at first but after the reason for them was explained, they made a lot sense. I agree with you that having someone watch your every move would be really nerve wracking!
ReplyDeleteChapter 1 was interesting to me also. It was interesting reading about the comparison of how NASA and JAXA compare with the selection process. Especially the section where it said NASA 's candidates were chosen for charisma and didn't use the isolation chamber whereas, JAXA uses an isolation chamber, testing to check for specific characteristics. I don't recall where it ever mentioned in this chapter if the Jaxa candidates were ever told they would be observed 24/7. I also found it interesting how JAXA incorpated thier cultural beliefs into the testing process. They did this by the paper crane test and if 1000 were made and placed on a string, it grants the maker health and longivity.
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