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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why do the volunteers report to Lovelace?
(a) For medical testing.
(b) For flight training.
(c) To observe rocket testing.
(d) For psychological testing.

3. While not logging any flying time comes to bother all seven of the astronauts, which is the astronaut who finally voices their complaint?
(a) Gordon Cooper.
(b) Gus Grissom.
(c) Wally Schirra.
(d) John Glenn.

4. 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.

5. By the end of the chapter, which one of the seven is beginning to assume the natural leadership role?
(a) Jim Lovell.
(b) John Glenn.
(c) Gordon Cooper.
(d) Alan Shepard.

6. What is the Navy-calculated probability that a career Navy pilot will die in an aircraft accident?
(a) 23%
(b) 7%
(c) 56%
(d) 38%

7. Who is the only Marine in the group of seven astronauts?
(a) Pete Conrad.
(b) Alan Shepard.
(c) Gus Grissom.
(d) John Glenn.

8. Muroc Army Air Base is renamed in 1948. What is its new name?
(a) Edwards Air Force Base.
(b) George Air Force Base.
(c) Cape Canaveral.
(d) Kennedy Army Air Base.

9. What is the most difficult routine in military flying?
(a) Formation flying.
(b) Instrument-only flying.
(c) All-weather flying.
(d) Carrier landings.

10. What is Gus Grissom awarded for his actions during combat in Korea?
(a) The Ace Award.
(b) The Distinguished Flying Cross.
(c) The Superior Aviator Award.
(d) The Purple Heart.

11. What is the unofficial tradition at Cape Canaveral?
(a) No drinking is allowed.
(b) The pilots work around the clock so they can get back to Langley.
(c) No wives are allowed.
(d) The pilots fly themselves to the Cape.

12. As a result of his record-setting flight, where does Bob White show up?
(a) At Langley Air Force Base.
(b) On the cover of Newsweek magazine.
(c) On the cover of Life magazine.
(d) At the celebratory party at Pancho's.

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

14. 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 don't have good insurance.
(d) They would rather be flying than in a waiting room.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. From the pilots' point of view, what is the only thing lacking during their astronaut training?

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?

3. What problem does the Army have with Yeager piloting the X-1?

4. Which of the astronauts is actually an atheist (although he told the press that he had previously "attended" a Christian Science church with his wife)?

5. What is the biggest challenge of landing on a carrier ship?

(see the answer keys)

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