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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Shepard see the Earth through the periscope in black and white?

2. When accompanying Glenn on his travels, what does Pete Conrad find himself doing?

3. Why is Chris Kraft furious with the astronaut?

4. Who is James Webb?

5. What is the new moon program called?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 15, what does John Glenn argue with James Webb about?

2. During the delay before the launch, Shepard found his biggest issue to be his need to use the restroom. However, no device for urination was designed into the capsule. Why not?

3. What does Shepard see as the main differences between the actual flight and the centrifuge's simulated flights?

4. Why does Grissom's suit not keep him buoyant when he is awaiting rescue in the ocean?

5. The seven original Mercury astronauts receive the Iven C. Kincheloe Award for outstanding professional performance in the conduct of test flight from the Society for Experimental Test Pilots. What does receiving this award mean to the astronauts?

6. Why is Betty Grissom so upset at the treatment of Gus after his flight?

7. What is the effect on Shepard of having so many pre-flight simulations?

8. During an international space conference attended by the Russians to publicize their successes in space, what reassuring fact does the United States learn?

9. When NASA grounds Deke Slayton, the press refers to him as being "keenly disappointed." How is Slayton actually feeling?

10. The Air Force has grand plans of their own for a space program. What do their plans include?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

To say that the Original Seven astronauts were looked up to would be a gross understatement; they were adored and admired national heroes. Yet, in spite of their fame, they only had one magazine, Life, that told their stories.

a. What were the reasons for the press restrictions?

b. Why was Life magazine selected?

c. In today's world, would heroes agree to only one magazine with exclusive coverage? Why or why not?

d. If the intense hype surrounding the astronauts back then surrounded them in today's environment, identify three differences in how the astronauts would have been "marketed" to the nation.

Essay Topic 2

The book first introduces us to some of the Mercury astronauts during their test flying days and, by the astronaut selection process, we have met all seven of the men who will be selected for Project Mercury. By the end of the book, we have seen these men over three to four years.

a. Compare and contrast the attitudes of the Original Seven astronauts when they first entered the training program to their attitudes towards the conclusion of the Mercury program. How did their success affect the systems in place at NASA?

b. How did the success of the Mercury program change these men, if at all? Pick two of the seven and support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, the astronauts are compared with the pilots from Edwards Air Force Base. Compare and contrast these two groups in terms at the following times:

a. When Project Mercury was first being announced.

b. When Project Mercury was underway.

c. When Project Mercury was concluded.

(see the answer keys)

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