On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space in this Mercury capsule. He named it "Freedom 7," the number signifying the seven Mercury astronauts; NASA called the mission Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3). Lofted by a Redstone rocket, Shepard and his capsule attained a maximum speed of 5180 mph and rose to an altitude of 116 miles. The sub-orbital flight lasted 15 minutes and 28 seconds. Freedom 7 parachuted into the sea 302 miles from the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and was retrieved by helicopter, along with Shepard.
NASA gave "Freedom 7" to the Smithsonian in October 1961, the first human spacecraft accessioned into the National Collection. It is also the only Mercury capsule of the original type flown by an astronaut. It has small portholes instead of a window over the head of the astronaut, and the main hatch lacks explosive bolts for emergency escape.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed
Astronaut
Alan B. Shepard Jr.
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 9 ft. 5 in. tall x 6 ft. 1 in. diameter, 2422 lb. (287 x 185.4cm, 1098.6kg)
Capsule Only ( not including stand) : 93-1/4" H
Support (at base): 6 ft. 1 in. diameter (185.4cm)
Weight: 2316 lbs. (approximation)
Materials
Skin & Structure: Titanium
Shingles: Nickel-steel alloy; Beryllium shingles
Ablation Shield: Glass fibers, resin
Alternate Name
Mercury Capsule MR-3, "Freedom 7"
Inventory Number
A19620021000
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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