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Astronaut Virgil ?Gus? Grissom beside his Mercury space?
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Astronaut Virgil ?Gus? Grissom beside his Mercury space?
Astronaut Virgil ?Gus? Grissom beside his Mercury spacecraft, Liberty Bell 7, at Cape Canaveral for a second attempt at his sub-orbital flight following the earlier cancellation due to bad weather, 21 July 1961. Date: 1961
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Media ID 18387960
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1961 Astronaut Attempt Bell Canaveral Cancellation Cape Earlier Grissom Liberty Mercury Spacecraft Sub Orbital Virgil
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this historic photograph, Astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom stands proudly next to his Mercury spacecraft, Liberty Bell 7, at Cape Canaveral on July 21, 1961. The image captures a moment of determination and anticipation as Grissom prepares for a second attempt at his sub-orbital flight. Grissom's first attempt, scheduled for July 17, 1961, was cancelled due to inclement weather. Undeterred, he and his team worked tirelessly to prepare for a second launch, and on this day, the skies cleared, allowing for the countdown to begin. The Liberty Bell 7 was the second manned Mercury spacecraft to be launched by NASA, following Alan Shepard's successful sub-orbital flight in May 1961. Grissom's flight marked an important milestone in the United States' quest to catch up with the Soviet Union in the space race. Grissom's spacecraft, named after the iconic Liberty Bell, was a testament to the technological advancements of the time. The Mercury spacecraft was designed to carry a single astronaut to an altitude of 118 miles and a speed of 15,700 miles per hour. As Grissom donned his helmet and prepared to enter the spacecraft, the tension was palpable. The successful launch would not only be a personal triumph for Grissom but also a significant victory for the United States in the space race. The photograph captures a moment of hope and excitement as Grissom stands beside his Mercury spacecraft, ready to embark on a journey that would change the course of history. The determination in his eyes and the pride in his posture speak to the indomitable spirit of the astronauts and the engineers who worked tirelessly to make space exploration a reality.
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