Viewing page 5 of 85

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

close

friends--or to get on each others nerves. Astronauts are careful to strike a delicate balance, becoming close, but not so close as to run up against personality conflicts. In some cases it may be necessary to overlook irritating aspects of another crewmember's character. But there is substantial motivation to overlook differences and minimize personal conflicts. The unit must be well-oiled, well-coordinated, and supportive...not just during the few days in orbit, but throughout the planning and training for the flight.

the qualities that most astronauts have in common is that they are generally easy-going, flexible in forming personal and professional relationships, and recognize the importance of getting along and working effectively together.

the commander sets the tone for the crew, defining and shaping the crew personality. Bob Crippen was the commander of both of my spaceflights (STS-7 and 41G), and therefore the two crews had many similarities. Both crews were easy-going, with duties evenly distributed and well-defined...but everyone deferred to Crip for final decisions. The commander defines how the crew will operate: will they eat meals together? How wil they stow their trash? With Crip as the commander, we all ate together, and we rotated kitchen duties, with one or two people fixing the meal for the whole crew. CDR giving hygiene lessons, and deciding how we would pack trash.