When you look back on the long history of crewed spaceflight, one group stands out for its radical challenge to the conventional wisdom of who could become an astronaut. NASA’s astronaut class of 1978 saw not only its first women and people of color working as astronauts such as Sally Ride and Guy Bluford, but also the first Asian American astronaut, El Onizuka, the first Jewish American astronaut, Judy Resnik, and the first LGBT astronaut, once again Sally Ride.
A new book, The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel, chronicles the story of this class and its impact on both NASA and the wider world’s perceptions of who could be an astronaut. We spoke to the author, Meredith Bagby, about this remarkable group of people and how they changed the face of human spaceflight.
Related Videos
Breaking the mold
Throughout the 50s and 60s, NASA almost exclusively chose fighter pilots for its early human spaceflight program, Project Mercury. That meant that not only were astronaut groups like the famous Mercury Seven entirely composed of white men, but they also came from very similar military backgrounds.
There were early pioneers like the Mercury 13, a group of women who trained for spaceflight but never flew on a NASA mission, or the Black test pilots who applied but were passed over for astronaut training. But throughout this period, the face of American spaceflight remained firmly white and male.
This approach began to change with the passing of the Equal Right Act in 1972, which forbade discrimination based on sex or race and forced NASA to consider applications from a wider range of people. These changes resulted in the class of ’78: the 35 members of NASA Astronaut Group 8 who were colloquially known as the New Guys.
“This was the first time NASA hired women and people of color,” as astronauts, Bagby explained. “And that was a big deal.”
This group was different from previous classes in terms of background and approach as well. “Almost half of them were civilians. They weren’t part of the military,” Bagby said. “So for the first time, you had this big group of scientists coming in, and they had a different outlook than the military test pilots.”
With the arrival of the Space Shuttle, NASA missions had more room on missions for other crew members in addition to pilots. These extra places were given over to science researchers, called mission specialists, to realize the potential of scientific research performed in space. This difference in background came with a difference in political views. “If the test pilots were the ones who were fighting in Vietnam, then these guys were the ones protesting about Vietnam,” Bagby said. “So it was a totally different energy.”
Even as mission specialists, astronauts had to achieve a very high level of fitness to be allowed to fly. For some of the NASA class of 78, like tennis ace Sally Ride or the athletic Kathy Sullivan, that presented little obstacle. But some of the other women had to train hard for the first time in their lives, in a culture where women were rarely encouraged to exercise. That was necessary for them to manage the physical rigors of working in space, doing tasks like spacewalks.
“Spacewalking is a very physical activity,” Bagby said. “Kathy Sullivan, who was the first American woman spacewalker and was also part of this class, is a fantastic athlete and I think that helped her become a good spacewalker. Because it’s really physical and grueling, and it takes forever. It’s basically construction in space.”
Another challenge for the class was dealing with the media, who were fascinated by the concept of women astronauts and often asked ridiculous and invasive questions. From being quizzed about their makeup and haircare routines to having to fend off inquiries about their sex lives, the women of the class had to learn to handle being in the national spotlight as well as the challenging aspects of their jobs.
One particularly thorny issue that continues to affect women today is the balancing of career and home life. Class member Anna Fisher was pregnant while training and went to space for the first time soon after giving birth to her first child, making her the first mother in space.
Particularly for mothers, an expectation still exists that women will always put their children first — which can be at odds with a career in space. “I think women still feel torn between family and career in a way that men don’t,” Bagby said. Then there’s the issue of the inherent risks of the job which they have to consider. “It’s also a big danger to take. If you’re the primary caretaker and you’re lost, it’s a big loss to the family.”
Houston, we’re not there yet
There are lessons about diversity among its astronauts which NASA is still learning. Even today, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous American people are strikingly underrepresented among astronauts, and women are in the minority both in the astronaut corps and in NASA more broadly. Another area in which astronauts are finally diversifying is in terms of disability, with the European Space Agency recently naming its first disabled astronaut.
The impetus for diversifying astronauts is not only about a moral imperative for greater representation but also a way of meeting practical needs. Astronauts who have conditions that count as disabilities on Earth, such as amputees without legs, can be advantaged in space compared to others. And women, who are on average smaller and eat less than men, could be better suited to long-term space missions.
“Everyone thought that there was one type of person that could do well in space, and that it was strong men who were athletic and had the ‘right stuff’. But it’s just not true. Anybody can do well in space,” Bagby said. “We’re realizing that all these differences and diversities that we have are actually big strengths.”
NASA has recently committed to landing the first woman and person of color on the moon as part of the Artemis program. Bagby linked that commitment to NASA acknowledging the protest movement of Black Americans in the 1960s who were frustrated about the government spending lavishly on the Apollo program while neglecting communities of color — exemplified in the Gil Scott-Heron spoken word poem Whitey On the Moon. “It’s answering this old wound, and getting really specific about the promise,” Bagby said.
The need for a diverse astronaut corps strikes at the heart of one of the biggest impulses for space exploration: to find a way to live on other planets, which may one day be a necessity. “If we’re going to learn how to live outside the Earth, we have to figure out how to get all of us there,” Bagby said.
With all the difficulties of sending humans into space, some people have argued that we shouldn’t even be trying. Instead, for locations like Mars, we should focus on robotic exploration, which is less expensive and far less risky to the people involved.
Even with the difficulties and the risks and the costs, however, Bagby maintains that there is something tremendously valuable and inspiring about seeing people travel to the stars. “I think it’s really worth it,” she said. “Watching a robot go to space is one thing, but watching a human go to space evokes a totally different set of emotions and aspirations.”
Editors’ Recommendations
How NASA’s class of ’78 changed the face of space travel
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Disney Cruise Line Announces New Fireworks Show and More Details About ‘Silver Anniversary at Sea’
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Death toll from Ian, storm-caused flooding crosses 50 people; remnants to dissipate over Virginia
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on Dallas Cowboys Will “Bring You Nothing But Bad Luck”, Sports Media Vet Warns Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
on Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Tormented”: How Tom Cruise Was Almost Cast In The Shawshank Redemption (& Why He Wasn’t)
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on Comparing the Humongous Combined Wealth of Latest Business Partners Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy
on Colorado State vs. New Mexico live stream, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on College basketball rankings: Virginia joins preseason Top 25 And 1, ready to contend for ACC title
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on “Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial
on Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on Brad Keselowski Feels NASCAR Could Welcome New Manufacturer Soon Amid Martin Truex Jr’s Engine Tests
on Boise State vs. Nevada live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on Best places to travel in 2023: National Geographic unveils list of top 25 destinations for next year
on Ask Amy: Should I keep my RSVP simple and just gracefully decline or say I can’t afford the trip?
on As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on Air Force vs. Utah State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on A missile fired by Houthis strikes a US-owned vessel off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, raising tensions
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on $12M Worth Dawn Staley Sports Pricey Jordans While Witnessing Joel Embiid’s Suffering Against Knicks
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on Lamar Jackson: NFC side tipped to be ‘overwhelming’ Super Bowl favourites if they signed Ravens QB
on ICC T20 World Cup 2022: “Love Cricket At All Levels, I’ll Watch Any Cricket, And Love Going There”
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on Inside Out Mini Jawbreaker Puzzle Game from Disney Cruise Line Now Available at Walt Disney World
on Katherine Paprocka allegedly embezzled nearly $600k from school for family vacations, IVF treatment
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer