Deke Slayton

About the Author

Deke Slayton was a pioneering figure in American space exploration, serving as one of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts and later as director of flight crew operations during the Apollo era. Born in Wisconsin in 1924, Slayton overcame a heart condition to fly in space aboard the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975, marking the first U.S.-Soviet joint mission. His career spanned from the early days of Project Mercury through the Space Shuttle program, where he played a pivotal role in selecting and managing astronaut crews for historic missions. In his memoir 'Deke! U.S. Manned Space From Mercury to the Shuttle,' co-authored with Michael Cassutt, Slayton offers an insider's perspective on the triumphs, challenges, and human stories behind NASA's golden age of spaceflight. A decorated World War II pilot and dedicated public servant, Slayton passed away in 1993, leaving a legacy of innovation and resilience that continues to inspire generations.