Chapter 6, "On the Balcony" Summary

Being an astronaut begins to look like a really good deal. It has both soul-satisfying work and short periods of public worship which feel like stepping out onto the Pope's balcony with the people cheering and waving. It is a little upsetting that there is no actual flying to do, but that is not a worry yet. John Glenn's behavior is becoming a problem, though. The other astronauts have figured out that their status permits them to ignore the doctors' suggestion that they exercise four hours a week. Glenn, however, does daily roadwork around the drive in front of his quarters. Granted, he is the oldest astronaut and needs to maintain and demonstrate his fitness. Sill, the fact that he is more religious than any of the others, is staying in Spartan bachelor quarters and...