NASA Astronaut Candidate Robb Kulin Is First To Resign Since 1968

NASA has received its first astronaut candidate resignation since 1968, the space agency confirmed in a statement today. The decision was made by 2017 NASA astronaut candidate Robb Kulin who will be leaving the program by the end of the week due to personal reasons. Kulin was awarded one of 12 spots to undergo NASA's two-year astronaut training program.

NASA's 2017 class was composed of twelve individuals — five women and seven men. Kulin's resignation, which NASA confirmed to Houston Chronicle, reduces the number to 11; the space agency doesn't plan to find a replacement for Kulin's position. The resignation goes into effect on Friday, August 31.

Kulin reportedly applied to NASA's astronaut candidacy program three times, ultimately being accepted on the third application. The space agency received more than 18,000 applications for its 2017 class, awarding them to a dozen individuals who will undergo a two-year astronaut training program.

The class will — barring any future resignations — graduate with 11 individuals. Before Kulin, NASA's most recent astronaut candidate resignation happened in 1968, first with Brian O'Leary leaving in early 1968 followed by John Llewellyn in August 1968.

Kulin hasn't issued a statement elaborating on his decision to leave the program. His resume is both extensive and impressive, including a long stint working for SpaceX; he's also a private pilot and worked as a commercial fisherman, among other things.

SOURCE: Houston Chronicle