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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. Sixteen days after Grissom's flight, the Russians launch another cosmonaut into space. How many times does the cosmonaut orbit the Earth before landing?
(a) 17.
(b) 2.
(c) 4.
(d) 10.

2. Why do the astronauts move to Houston?
(a) Houston has better weather.
(b) Cape Canaveral is no longer big enough for their program.
(c) NASA is building a Manned Spacecraft Center.
(d) Houston provides better launch windows.

3. In every flight class, what ratio of new trainees do not earn their wings?
(a) 7 in 9.
(b) 2 in 4.
(c) 3 in 5.
(d) 1 in 3.

4. When Chuck Yeager is interviewed by reporters in Phoenix, what do the reporters want to know about?
(a) The next plane Yeager will be testing.
(b) The astronauts.
(c) How Yeager's family is.
(d) The sound barrier.

5. Who is Bob Gilruth?
(a) The veterinarian brought in to dismantle the chimpanzee colony.
(b) The X-15 pilot who joined the astronauts for training.
(c) The man in charge of Project Mercury.
(d) The head engineer of Project Mercury.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the nickname given to Project Mercury by the top pilots at the base?

2. After the Russian flight, NASA scrubbed the remainder of the planned Mercury flights using Redstone rockets. What is the next flight to attempt?

3. Which of the astronauts rises early each morning to do his roadwork where everyone can see him?

4. What do the engineers see as the most difficult, challenging, and pioneering part of the project?

5. Which pilot marches into General Schwichenberg's office, throws an enema bag on his desk, and refuses to give himself any more enemas?

(see the answer key)

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