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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 13, "The Operational Stuff".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which magazine buys the exclusive rights to the astronauts' personal stories for $500,000?
(a) Time.
(b) Newsweek.
(c) Life.
(d) Aviation Week & Space Technology.

2. Why do fighter pilots have an intense dislike for flight surgeons?
(a) They hate needles.
(b) They don't want to be grounded for medical reasons.
(c) They would rather be flying than in a waiting room.
(d) They don't have good insurance.

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

4. When the capsule splashes down and Shepard is detaching all of the hoses so that he can leave the capsule, what sound does he hear?
(a) Cheers over his radio.
(b) Electrical circuits popping.
(c) The President's voice.
(d) Water seeping into the capsule.

5. How much time passes after the press conference before the astronauts are though of as national heroes?
(a) It takes three days.
(b) It takes seven weeks.
(c) It happens overnight.
(d) They aren't considered of as national heroes until the first launch.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does the second Mercury flight take place?

2. Which of the astronauts place a sign inside the capsule reading "No handball playing in this area" to help keep Shepard relaxed and loose?

3. How does Ted Whelan die?

4. While not logging any flying time comes to bother all seven of the astronauts, which is the astronaut who finally voices their complaint?

5. What is the nickname given to Pete's flight test class?

(see the answer key)

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