The Fittest First, the Toughest Last

Before the rescue, the 33 were sorted into three groups. First came the skilled and fittest, best able to cope if the capsule jammed and to report on the ride. Next came older men and those with medical or psychological problems. Last came the men judged mentally toughest, who could stand the longest wait. Six hours before, everyone switched to a liquid diet. Each took an aspirin, wore a girdle to steady blood pressure and was given sunglasses.