Science: Meditative Chimponaut

Few human children have been treated with more cautious care. Dressed by a team of tender technicians, the little chimpanzee was togged out in spotless diaper and nylon mesh space suit, then zippered into a fitted contour couch that looked like a cradle trimmed with electronics. After two hours of fussing, Enos. the 5½-year-old chimponaut, was ready to ride the first passenger-carrying orbital flight of U.S. Project Mercury. His cradle was fitted into a Mercury capsule on the nose of an Atlas rocket.

The high ride was scheduled for 7:30 a.m., but it was...

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