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From what group did NASA pick its first seven astronauts in 1959?

Military test pilots, the Mercury Seven.

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  1. Airline pilots
  2. Military test pilots ✔
  3. University scientists

Why: President Eisenhower decided military test pilots would make the best astronauts. NASA introduced the seven Project Mercury astronauts on April 9, 1959.

Huh, didn't know that: The Mercury Seven were Carpenter, Cooper, Glenn, Grissom, Schirra, Shepard and Slayton.

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How do astronauts keep their team organized? They planet carefully.
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References

Answer: Military test pilots. President Eisenhower decided military test pilots would make the best astronauts. NASA introduced the seven Project Mercury astronauts on April 9, 1959.

  1. NASA, 65 Years Ago: NASA Selects America's First Astronauts www.nasa.gov/history/65-years-ago-nasa-selects-americas-first-astronauts
    President Eisenhower decided that military test pilots would make the most suitable astronauts.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. NASA, 65 Years Ago: NASA Selects America's First Astronauts www.nasa.gov/history/65-years-ago-nasa-selects-americas-first-astronauts
    On April 9, 1959, NASA formally introduced the men to the nation and the world.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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