12 to 15, depending on qualifications and experience, with an annual salary of $8,330 to $12,770 (equivalent to $ to $ in ). It described the duties of an astronaut:

Although the panel considered that many people might possess the required skills - aircraft pilots, submariners, deep sea divers and mountain climbers were all considered likely prospects - it decided that they could be best met by military test pilots. Accepting only military test pilots would simplify the selection process,