NASA
Nasa: Shepard's Ride
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the flight of the first American to travel into space aboard the Freedom 7 Mercury spacecraft in 1961.
NASA
Nasa: Briefing the Briefers
This site from NASA provides detailed information about the successful flight of the Mercury 3, Freedom 7 spacecraft.
Other
Graduating Engineer: Without Limits
This article features an interview with astronaut Ellen Ochoa in which she discusses minority issues and encourages higher education. A lot of biographical information is also included.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: A Small Step to the Moon, a Giant Leap to Mars
Read the article or listen to the story of remembrances of the Apollo program, especially Apollo 11. Explains some of the challenges of sending astronauts to Mars.
NASA
Nasa: Liberty Bell Tolls
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the second flight of a Mercury spacecraft and the second American to travel in space.