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Today in History: NASA selects Mercury Seven as first astronauts

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 9, 1959, NASA announced the selection of the Mercury Seven, the first astronauts for Project Mercury. This group, consisting of Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton, established the archetype of the American astronaut and marked a significant milestone in the U.S. space program.

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Story summary

On April 9, 1959, NASA announced the selection of the Mercury Seven, the first astronauts for Project Mercury. This group, consisting of Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton, established the archetype of the American astronaut and marked a significant milestone in the U.S. space program.