A new U.S. agency called NASA chooses seven test pilots to be the nation's first astronauts.

The Mercury 7 become aware of their instant fame and the pitfalls that come with it.

As 1960 approaches, a humiliating rocket launch throws the future of NASA into question.

An indiscretion leads to a greater conflict that could determine who will be chosen first.

With JFK now in office, NASA finds itself under scrutiny, and Shepard's flight is delayed.