What is the designation for a selected but not yet fully qualified NASA trainee?
Answer
Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN)
An Astronaut Candidate, often abbreviated as ASCAN, represents the initial phase in the NASA astronaut career path. An individual holding this status has successfully passed the rigorous selection process but has not yet completed the necessary fundamental training requirements, which include mastering systems, robotics, spacewalking procedures, and language immersion. Only upon successful completion of this candidacy phase do they formally graduate to the rank of qualified Astronaut, making them eligible for flight assignment.
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