File:KSC-04-S-00252 (ksc 071604 astrotrain).webm

English: The space adventure is officially starting for eight of NASA's newest astronauts and three astronauts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. They recently launched into a six-week basic training program in Pensacola, Florida. During their first two weeks, the astronauts braved water survival training, swim tests, altitude chambers and ejection seats. For the remainder of the program, they'll concentrate on flight training. Eleven new astronaut candidates were selected for this year's astronaut class, announced in May. The eight NASA astronauts in the training program are Mission Specialists, three of whom are former teachers. They're the newest Educator Astronauts. The three remaining members of the class are already accomplished pilots and didn't need basic training. Together, the new astronauts will play a vital role in missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond as NASA boldly pursues the Vision for Space Exploration.