Donald Kent “Deke” Slayton

Biographic Sketch:

Donald Kent “Deke” Slayton (1 March 1924–13 June 1993) was an American Air Force pilot, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts. He went on to become NASA’s first Chief of the Astronaut Office and Director of Flight Crew Operations, responsible for NASA crew  assignments.

• Project Mercury from a Pilot’s Point of View (2026)