Seven and they would become household names. Sy carpenter, gordon cooper, john glen, grisham, sh era, shepherd and slaton. The story of the mercury seven would become a book and a movie both called the right stuff. John serela recapped his nasa career and his life. Reporter by the time allen shepherds space suit shimmered, the United States was behind. Garren had already become the first human in space. The u. S. Was losing the space race. It was up to shepherd. He carried the duty of carrying the american pride. Shepherd had been a navy pilot before being chosen as one of the seven original mercury astronauts. All wanted to be first in space. But it was shepherd who was flying now. Higher, faster and farther than any american had ever gone. They all came over and hook my hand. Congratulations and filed out of the room. And i didnt see any of the bars i visited on the way home. Reporter shepherd sub orbital flight went perfectly. It lasted all of 15 minutes and 20 seconds. What a beaut