As a part of the first U.S. human spaceflight program, Project Mercury, this capsule was launched on unmanned mission, Mercury-Atlas 2 (MA-2), on February 21, 1961. Mission objectives were to test spacecraft performance during maximum acceleration, and to measure the heat on the spacecraft following a simulated critical abort in which the spacecraft separated itself from the Atlas launch vehicle before reaching orbit.
The spacecraft did not go into orbit, but rather flew on an 18-minute suborbital mission that reached a maximum altitude of 182 km (114 miles), and landed 2290 km (1432 miles) downrange. This success helped to pave the way for the first American manned space launch on May 5, 1961, on the Redstone booster. In 1967 NASA transferred title of the spacecraft to the Smithsonian.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Test Vehicles
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 112 in. tall (284.5cm)
Support (at base): 73 in. in diameter (185.4cm)
Materials
Skin & Structure: Titanium
Shingles: Nickel-steel alloy; Beryllium shingles removed
Ablation Shield: Glass fibers, resin
Inventory Number
A19710064000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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