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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.

Destination Moon

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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