One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, he was a decorated war veteran and test pilot who later became a NASA executive, playing a crucial role in the development of the US space program.
Deke Slayton was an American Air Force pilot, aeronautical engineer, and test pilot who was selected as one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts, serving as the first Chief of the Astronaut Office and Director of Flight Crew Operations.
As one of the most influential figures in the history of space exploration, Slayton played a crucial role in shaping the American space program, overseeing NASA crew assignments and paving the way for future generations of astronauts.
Born on March 1, 1924, on a farm near Leon, Wisconsin, Slayton grew up in a humble household without electricity or indoor plumbing. From a young age, he worked on the farm, developing a strong work ethic and resourcefulness that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
After graduating from Sparta High School in 1942, Slayton joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, flying in Europe and the Pacific. After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1949.
In 1955, Slayton attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, where he honed his skills as a test pilot. This experience prepared him for his next great challenge: becoming one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts in 1959.
As part of the Mercury Seven, Slayton was scheduled to pilot the second U.S. crewed orbital spaceflight. However, his dreams were put on hold when he was grounded in 1962 due to atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm.
In March 1972, Slayton was medically cleared to fly, and he went on to serve as the docking module pilot of the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). This historic mission marked the first joint U.S.-Soviet spaceflight, symbolizing a new era of international cooperation in space exploration.
Throughout his illustrious career, Slayton held various leadership positions, including Chief of the Astronaut Office and Director of Flight Crew Operations. He played a pivotal role in shaping NASA's crew assignments, ensuring that the right individuals were selected for the most critical missions.
Slayton's legacy extends far beyond his own achievements. He inspired generations of astronauts, engineers, and scientists, leaving an indelible mark on the space program.
Deke Slayton passed away on June 13, 1993, at the age of 69, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate individuals to reach for the stars.
95 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
Born in 1923
First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
Born in 1926
One of the original seven astronauts in NASA's Project Mercury, a decorated military pilot, and a pioneer in space exploration, known for being the second American in space and commanding the first manned Gemini mission.
97 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
Born in 1925
One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, he orbited the Earth in 1962, paving the way for future space exploration. He was also a decorated naval aviator and aquanaut.
Born in 1923
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, this pioneer flew on three historic spaceflights, including the first American manned orbital flight and the Apollo 7 mission.
99 Years Old
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, he was the first American to spend over a day in space and the last to fly solo in orbit, paving the way for future space exploration.
