NASA once gave IQ only 1 point in its astronaut selection system because the agency believed that even brilliant people could fail in space, the highest scores instead went to engineering skill, operational experience, judgment, motivation and the character to keep functioning when everything around them went wrong

NASA’s 1966 astronaut selection heavily weighted engineering and character over intelligence. Candidates underwent rigorous evaluation for operational experience and psychological resilience. This approach ensured astronauts could handle complex spaceflight challenges under pressure. Practical problem-solving and teamwork proved crucial for mission success and survival. Modern recruitment continues to value these essential qualities alongside academic achievement.