<p>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 <em>really</em> be before strapping Alan Shepard into it. </p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/failuretolaunch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content and Discord access!</a></p><p>Sources: </p><ul><li><p><em>Beyond</em>, Stephen Walker</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.drewexmachina.com/2016/04/26/redstone-the-missile-that-launched-america-into-space/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><em>Redstone: The Missile That Launched America Into Space</em></a>, Drew LePage</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.drewexmachina.com/2019/09/09/giving-mercury-its-wings-the-first-test-flights-of-nasas-mercury-program/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><em>Giving Mercury Its Wings</em></a>, Drew LePage</p></li></ul><p>Theme song by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@djdanarchy/featured" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">DJ Danarchy</a></p>