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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9, "The Vote".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What do the Project Mercury engineers think will be an easy task?
(a) Controlling the capsule while in space.
(b) Recovering the capsule after it splashed down.
(c) Training the astronauts.
(d) Launching the rockets.

2. Which of the astronauts had separated from his wife, but reconciles with her after the psychological interviews at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base because he thinks it will improve his chances for astronaut selection?
(a) Deke Slayton.
(b) Scott Carpenter.
(c) John Glenn.
(d) Gordon Cooper.

3. Complete this flying theorem: "There are no accidents and no fatal flaws in the machines..."
(a) there are only pilots with the wrong stuff.
(b) if you follow the manuals, you will be fine.
(c) there are, however, dumb mistakes.
(d) just untimely tragedies.

4. Who is Bob White?
(a) The lead engineer on Project Mercury.
(b) The reporter writing the Life stories.
(c) The head of mission control.
(d) The Air Force's prime pilot for the X-15 project at Edwards.

5. What do the engineers see as the most difficult, challenging, and pioneering part of the project?
(a) The flight itself.
(b) The flying capsule.
(c) The technology.
(d) The courage necessary to fly in the capsule.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many fighter jocks volunteer for the top-secret civilian program?

2. The first "manned" space flight by Russia does not have a man aboard. What living thing do the Russians send into space?

3. Which one of the astronauts is selected for the first Mercury flight?

4. From the original volunteers for the program, how many are finally accepted as astronauts?

5. Why do the pilots report to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?

(see the answer key)

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