9. Glenn Coolly Dealt With a Malfunction in Space to Successfully Steer His Craft and Return to Earth as a National Hero
John Glenn had his heart set on becoming the first American in space, but despite his best efforts, that honor went to fellow astronaut Alan Shepherd instead. However, Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth in the space capsule Friendship 7. He was watched by thousands in central Florida as his Atlas rocket took off, and by millions on black and white TV sets. However, early in the flight, the automatic control system failed, and Glenn had to fly manually.
It was a matter of life and death, but Glenn handled the pressure and coolly rose to the occasion. He took the controls and completed three orbits around the planet at speeds of 17,500 miles per hour. He then calmly steered through reentry, and came back to earth a national hero and an instant celebrity. Glenn got a New York City ticker-tape parade, addressed a joint session of Congress, and met the president. He did not get what he wanted most, however: another space mission.
