First To Do So In 50 Years

One of the candidates selected for the NASA's 2017 astronaut class has resigned from the program for "personal reasons" before qualifying for spaceflight.

Robb Kulin, a 35-year-old Alaskan, has been in training with NASA for a year. He was selected for one of the 12 spots in the astronaut class from among some 18,300 applicants for the positions. With his resignation, he becomes the first astronaut candidate to leave the program in 50 years, according to the agency.

The Houston Chronicle reports that in an interview last year with The Verge, Kulin said "One of the big objectives that the team is going for here at NASA is they’re trying to see, ‘Hey, if I got stuck with this guy on Space Station, is that actually something I’d enjoy?’ ”

NASA spokeswoman Brandi Dean said that the agency will not replace Kulin. His resignation is effective August 31.

The last time an astronaut resigned from the program was in 1968. Two members of the 1967 class left that year. Brian O'Leary cited a lack of spaceflight prospects as his reason for leaving the program, while John Llewellyn left after having difficulty piloting jets.

Kulin spent six years at SpaceX working on design and analysis of Falcon 9 rocket components. He later led the launch chief engineering group, which ensures flight safety.

Dean said Kulin will not be required to reimburse the agency for any of his training.

(NASA image)

FMI: Source report