In 1958, the United States made its initial steps towards the goal of manned space flight with Project Mercury. Seven men were selected to be the first American astronauts to test the limits of human endurance in space. Behind the scenes, there was a steep learning curve in the new science of astronautics. In fact, the project was a biomedical challenge. Testing astronaut candidates became a science in itself, as the effects of space travel on humans, was still a mystery. Producer Judith Kampfner talks with pioneer astronaut John Glenn, physician-researcher Dr. Donald Kilgore, the team’s personal flight surgeon, Dr. Bill Douglas, Jane Hart, one of the first women who trained for the program, and historian Roger Launius from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The First Astronauts combines archive material and stories from those who worked to launch the first U.S. human space launch.

The Soundprint documentary series features the best work of top radio producers. The award winning documentaries are renowned for drawing the listener into the story with compelling interviews, authentic voices and rich sound. From memoirs to science, health and popular culture, Soundprint creates a powerful experience the listener will not soon forget. Here are some related Soundprint documentaries:

After Dogs and Chimpanzees: The Early Space Program Produced by: Judith Kampfner

Rocket Girls and Astro-nettes Produced by: Richard Paul

Rocketing Ahead Produced by: Richard Paul

Soundprint Executive Producer: Moira Rankin

Technical Director: Anna Maria de Freitas

Editor: George Papagiannis

Audio Engineer: Robin Wise

Associate Producer: Francesca Raimond