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"Smith Z"
CITIZENS
It isn't very glamorous to admit this, but a person does not have to be superhuman to be launched into space.  A Space Shuttle launch and landing are not overly strenuous.  Although the Space Shuttle doesn't have much room (most visitors to our simulators are astonished by the cramped quarters), we can accommodate 2 scientists, observers, or guests to join the NASA's 5 astronauts.  These "Payload Specialists" now fall into a couple of different categories.

NASA's original concept of the Payload Specialist was a scientist who was responsible for the design of a specific experiment being carried in space.  This scientist would be someone who has a particular, highly specialized skill that is needed in orbit for the successful operation of his or her payload--hence the origin of the title "payload specialist"

Since then, the category has expanded to include other space travellers.  For example, the Shuttle is an excellent tool of foreign diplomacy, and other countries have recently been offered the opportunity to fly their own astronauts in the US space program.  These foreign astronauts immediately become national heroes"  the Alan Shepherds and John Glenns of their country.

And the categories have broadened even further.  Until recently, space has been open only to scientists, engineers