In 1959, which space project selected four naval aviators as prospective astronauts?

The correct answer is associated with the Mercury space project, which was the first human spaceflight program of the United States, initiated in the early 1960s. In 1959, the Mercury program notably selected seven astronauts, which included four naval aviators: Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Wally Schirra, and John Glenn. This selection was significant as it represented the inaugural group of astronauts who would partake in pioneering missions that were crucial to advancing U.S. efforts in space exploration.

The Mercury program focused on achieving the first orbital flights and testing various technologies and procedures that would lay the groundwork for subsequent missions. The inclusion of naval aviators was strategic because these individuals were already highly trained and had experience with high-stress operations, making them well-suited for the challenges of early space travel. The program's success set the stage for later missions, including Gemini and Apollo, which further expanded human capabilities in space.