Applications for Ride on Shuttle Open to Journalists

WASHINGTON —  The National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced Thursday that it will select a journalist to become the second civilian to fly in a space shuttle.

“I can assure you that our winning candidate will not only get a round-trip ticket, but a first-class, unforgettable ride and an unforgettable experience,” said James M. Beggs, NASA administrator.

“We’re looking for someone who can communicate the experience of space,” said Robert Hoskins, dean of the College of Communications at Arkansas State University and president of the Assn. of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The selection process is being coordinated by the association. All print and broadcast journalists are eligible to apply.

Communication Key

Journalists who have covered space or technology may have a slight advantage over other applicants, but Hoskins stressed that the ability to communicate both in print and on camera will be the most important criteria.

He said he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 applicants from the estimated 125,000 professional U.S. journalists. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have at least five years of professional journalism experience.

Applications and additional information are available from the University of South Carolina’s College of Journalism, whose dean emeritus, Albert T. Scroggins, is chief program officer of the Space Flight Participation Program.

NASA will pay all the costs for the journalist, who will be allowed to report on everything except classified information, the space agency said.

The first civilian chosen to fly in space was Sharon Christa McAuliffe, a Concord, N.H., teacher who is scheduled to be a passenger on a space shuttle flight early next year.