Pilot The Shuttle pilot is second in command. The pilot's primary responsibility is to control and operate the Shuttle. Pilots assist the Shuttle commander as necessary. Shuttle pilots must be United States citizens. Mission Specialist Mission specialists are responsible for coordinating all on-board operations.
Mission specialists perform on-board experiments, space walks, and handle the payload.
Mission specialists must be United States citizens. Payload Specialist Payload specialists are professionals from the physical or life sciences field, or they are highly skilled technicians who can operate the Shuttle payload equipment. Payload specialists are chosen by the payload sponsor or customer. Training for a payload specialist may begin as much as two years ahead of the scheduled flight, depending on the task the specialist must perform. The Answer Show me the Level 1 version of this page.