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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 14, "The Club".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What recent invention makes Program Mercury possible at all?
(a) The launch software.
(b) The high-carbon fuel.
(c) The high-speed, electronic computer.
(d) The rocket propulsion system.

2. On John Glenn's 40th birthday, who comes to Glenn's birthday dinner?
(a) Alan and Louise Shepard.
(b) Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson.
(c) Gus and Betty Grissom.
(d) John and Jackie Kennedy.

3. 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) Scott Carpenter.
(b) Gordon Cooper.
(c) Deke Slayton.
(d) John Glenn.

4. Why does Shepard see the Earth through the periscope in black and white?
(a) He forgets to remove the gray filter before the launch.
(b) There is no color in space.
(c) It's hard to detect color over vast distances.
(d) The window had a built-in screen.

5. Which of the astronauts rises early each morning to do his roadwork where everyone can see him?
(a) John Glenn.
(b) Deke Slayton.
(c) Gus Grissom.
(d) Wally Schirra.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is John Glenn's greatest ally in the debate over how the astronauts should conduct themselves?

2. Complete this flying theorem: "There are no accidents and no fatal flaws in the machines..."

3. In the wake of the successful Mercury flight, even Shorty Powers becomes famous. Who is Shorty Powers?

4. After countless delays and several launch attempts, on what day is the manned flight finally launched?

5. Why do the astronauts move to Houston?

(see the answer key)

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