Donald Kent Slayton was selected in 1959 as one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, marking the beginning of a high-profile career in American space exploration. A veteran of both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II, Slayton transitioned from a military test pilot to a foundational figure within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Military Service and Engineering
Born in 1924 in Sparta, Wisconsin, Slayton graduated from high school in 1942 before entering the Aviation Cadet Training Program. During World War II, he flew 56 combat sorties in the European theater as a pilot of the B-25 Mitchell. He later deployed to Okinawa, flying seven missions over Japan in the Douglas A-26 Invader. Following the war, he attended the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering in 1949. He subsequently worked as a junior design engineer at Boeing, contributing to the development of the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-97 Stratofreighter before returning to active duty with the United States Air Force and attending the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1955.
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As a member of the Mercury Seven, Slayton was initially scheduled to pilot the second United States crewed orbital mission. However, in 1962, he was grounded due to atrial fibrillation. During this period, he pivoted to administrative roles, serving as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1962 to 1963. He remained a central figure in NASA operations, overseeing crew assignments and contributing to the development of the Space Shuttle. He was eventually medically cleared for flight in 1972.
Apollo-Soyuz and Legacy
Slayton’s return to spaceflight occurred during the 1975 Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, where he served as the docking module pilot. He continued his tenure at NASA until 1982. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1965, 1975, 1982, and 1993, as well as the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1978 and 1981. He was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1990 and the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1996. Slayton died in League City in 1993.
Fast facts
- Born: 1924, Sparta
- Died: 1993, League City
- Education: University of Minnesota, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- Military Rank: Major
- Affiliation: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Key Mission: Apollo–Soyuz Test Project (1975)
- Mercury Seven Member: Yes
Questions readers ask
Why was Deke Slayton grounded from early spaceflights?
He was grounded in 1962 after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm.
What administrative roles did Slayton hold at NASA?
He served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1962 to 1963 and was responsible for managing crew assignments.
Achievements
- National Aviation Hall of Fame — 1996
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Minnesota, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Air Command and Staff College
- Worked as air force officer, test pilot and astronaut
