The right stuff: inside the race to be the first American in space

Private companies trying to shuttle tourists into space. Audacious plans to send civilians on a one-way mission to Mars. Astronauts recording David Bowie cover songs from 230 miles above the Earth. Nope, space travel isn't what it used to be. More than 50 years ago, a select cadre of American test pilots underwent rigorous NASA testing, each of them making a bid to become the first US astronaut in space. The men, known as "The Mercury Seven," were chosen specifically because of their professiona...