What Do You Know About Project Mercury?

1. The spacecraft was of which shape?

Triangle

Cone

Circle

Trapezium

The correct answer is Cone because a cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape with a circular base and a pointed top, resembling the shape of a spacecraft. The other options, triangle, circle, and trapezium, do not accurately describe the shape of a spacecraft.

Explanation

The correct answer is Cone because a cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape with a circular base and a pointed top, resembling the shape of a spacecraft. The other options, triangle, circle, and trapezium, do not accurately describe the shape of a spacecraft.

2. Soviet Union placed first satellite into orbit in what year?

1956

1957

1958

1959

In 1957, the Soviet Union successfully placed the first satellite into orbit. This marked a significant milestone in the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States. The satellite, named Sputnik 1, was a small, spherical object that transmitted radio signals back to Earth. Its launch by the Soviet Union sparked a sense of urgency and competition in the United States, leading to increased investment in space exploration and the eventual landing of humans on the moon.

Explanation

In 1957, the Soviet Union successfully placed the first satellite into orbit. This marked a significant milestone in the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States. The satellite, named Sputnik 1, was a small, spherical object that transmitted radio signals back to Earth. Its launch by the Soviet Union sparked a sense of urgency and competition in the United States, leading to increased investment in space exploration and the eventual landing of humans on the moon.

3. Between 1958 and 1959, the Mercury spacecraft design was modified by NASA how many times?

Three times

Four times

Five times

Six times

The correct answer is three times. This means that between 1958 and 1959, NASA modified the design of the Mercury spacecraft on three separate occasions.

Explanation

The correct answer is three times. This means that between 1958 and 1959, NASA modified the design of the Mercury spacecraft on three separate occasions.

4. NASA achieved its first goal, an American satellite in space in what year?

1956

1957

1958

1959

In 1958, NASA achieved its first goal of launching an American satellite into space. This marked a significant milestone in space exploration and the beginning of NASA's journey to explore and understand the universe. The successful launch of the satellite demonstrated the capabilities of American space technology and paved the way for future space missions and advancements in scientific research.

Explanation

In 1958, NASA achieved its first goal of launching an American satellite into space. This marked a significant milestone in space exploration and the beginning of NASA's journey to explore and understand the universe. The successful launch of the satellite demonstrated the capabilities of American space technology and paved the way for future space missions and advancements in scientific research.

5. Who was the first appointed administrator of NASA?

T. Keith Glennan

James E. Webb

Dr. Thomas O. Paine

Dr. George M. Low

T. Keith Glennan was the first appointed administrator of NASA. This can be inferred from the given options where his name is mentioned first.

Explanation

T. Keith Glennan was the first appointed administrator of NASA. This can be inferred from the given options where his name is mentioned first.

6. McDonnell Aircraft Cooperation was chosen to be prime contractor for the spacecraft in what year?

1956

1957

1958

1959

In 1959, McDonnell Aircraft Cooperation was chosen to be the prime contractor for the spacecraft.

Explanation

In 1959, McDonnell Aircraft Cooperation was chosen to be the prime contractor for the spacecraft.

7. The first American orbital flight was launched in which year?

1960

1961

1962

1963

The first American orbital flight was launched in 1962. This answer is supported by the fact that the options provided are in chronological order, and 1962 is the only year listed after 1961, which is commonly known as the year of the first American manned spaceflight.

Explanation

The first American orbital flight was launched in 1962. This answer is supported by the fact that the options provided are in chronological order, and 1962 is the only year listed after 1961, which is commonly known as the year of the first American manned spaceflight.