NASA Before Vostok 1
Update: 2025-07-25
Description
In early 1961, NASA was actually very well positioned to launch an American into space before the Soviets. Then they messed it up. This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris take a look into what was happening at NASA in the months before Vostok 1 flew. We cover the infamous Four Inch Flight, the first chimp in space, and the debate over how safe a rocket should really be before strapping Alan Shepard into it.
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Sources:
Beyond, Stephen Walker
Redstone: The Missile That Launched America Into Space, Drew LePage
Giving Mercury Its Wings, Drew LePage
Theme song by DJ Danarchy
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