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Mercury-Atlas 6 launch
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Mercury-Atlas 6 launch
Mercury-Atlas 6 launch. Launch of the Atlas LV-3B rocket carrying the Friendship 7 spacecraft of the Mercury 6 mission. Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6) was a manned spaceflight mission conducted by NASA as part of Project Mercury. It was the first American mission to put a human, John Glenn, in Earth orbit. The small Friendship 7 spacecraft (black) on top of the rocket was 2 metres long and only large enough for one crew member. The Launch Escape System tower and rocket (red) are seen above the spacecraft. Photographed at Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA, on 20th February 1962
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Media ID 6333947
© NASA/VRS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
20th Aeronautical Engineering Astronautical Engineering Blast Off Cape Canaveral Engineering Fire Flame Flames Florida In Orbit Launch Launching Mission Program Rocket Smoke Space Flight Us A Friendship 7 Ma 6 Manned Flight Mercury Atlas 6 Project Mercury
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment of the Mercury-Atlas 6 launch, a groundbreaking event in American space exploration. On February 20th, 1962, at Launch Complex 14 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Atlas LV-3B rocket soared into the sky carrying the Friendship 7 spacecraft as part of NASA's Project Mercury. The image showcases the sheer power and technological prowess involved in this mission. The towering red Launch Escape System tower and rocket stand above the small black Friendship 7 spacecraft that was only two meters long and designed for a single crew member. Flames engulfing the base of the rocket create an awe-inspiring spectacle against a backdrop of billowing smoke. John Glenn became America's first astronaut to orbit Earth aboard Friendship 7 during this monumental flight. This photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination to explore beyond our planet's boundaries. It is impossible not to feel a sense of wonder when gazing upon this image. It encapsulates both historical significance and scientific achievement within its frame. As we reflect on this milestone in spaceflight history, we are reminded of how far we have come and inspired by what lies ahead for future missions into outer space.
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