“Meet the Historic Group 19 NASA Astronauts: The Last to Fly on the Space Shuttle”

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In 2004, NASA announced the selection of its 19th group of astronauts, a diverse and accomplished group that would go on to make significant contributions to space exploration. This group, known as the “Peacocks,” included two pilots, six mission specialists, and three educator mission specialists, with two women, two Hispanic Americans, and one African American among them.

Three astronauts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) also joined the group for the 20-month training program, qualifying as mission specialists and becoming eligible for flight assignments. This group marked the last to train for flights on the space shuttle.

All members of the group completed at least one spaceflight, with five making a single trip into space, four making two trips, and five going three times. Several remain on active status and available for future flight assignments.

The training included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training.

The Peacocks’ nickname was given by the previous astronaut class, and their patch symbolized exploring, inspiring, and teaching. It featured elements such as the American and Japanese flags, stylized astronaut pins, fourteen stars representing the astronauts, a book for knowledge and learning, and the Earth, Moon, and Mars, representing current and future exploration.

This group left a remarkable legacy in space exploration, with members such as Joseph Acaba, who conducted three spacewalks and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office, and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, who made her one spaceflight as a mission specialist on STS-131. This group’s historical significance and achievements continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.

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