NASA Before Vostok 1

In early 1961, NASA was actually very well positioned to launch an American into space before the Soviets. Then they messed it up. This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris take a look into what was happening at NASA in the months before Vostok 1 flew. We cover the infamous Four Inch Flight, the first chimp in space, and the debate over how safe a rocket should really be before strapping Alan Shepard into it. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content and Discord access!Sources: Beyond, Stephen WalkerRedstone: The Missile That Launched America Into Space, Drew LePageGiving Mercury Its Wings, Drew LePageTheme song by DJ Danarchy