Real Space Cowboys, Bonus DVD Video Disc

This account traces the tension-filled careers of the Mercury Seven, a select group of elite fighter pilots who were chosen to be America's first astronauts. It delves into the dreams and nightmares they experienced during the early days of the U.S. manned space program. The book provides an inside look into the competitive and often arrogant atmosphere that surrounded this initiative. It explores the difficult decisions made regarding whether to send chimpanzees or humans into space, as well as the conflicts that arose between NASA engineers and the astronauts themselves.

Not only does the book provide insight into the serious side of the program, but it also highlights moments of humor. It depicts the recurrent pranks during "gotcha" training sessions, as well as the potential consequences that came with a dubious response to the question, "Are you a turtle?" It is worth noting that although most of these men eventually experienced space travel, their lives as part of NASA did not end there.

This account expands upon their continued work with motivational programs, such as the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, U.S. Space Camp, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It showcases the lasting impact these astronauts had on the space industry, even after their time in the spotlight.

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