This John Glenn commemorative medal was designed by the Italian sculptor, Constantino Affer. On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. In his Friendship 7 capsule he orbited the earth three times in a flight that lasted a little less than five hours. It was the third human spaceflight of the Project Mercury program, and the one that established American parity with the Soviet achievement of a human orbital flight.
Space medal collector Thomas Becker donated this art medal to the Museum in 1972.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Italy
Type
MEMORABILIA-Events
Designer
Constantino Affer
Dimensions
3-D: 5.1cm (2 in.)
Materials
Silver
Inventory Number
A19731512000
Credit Line
Gift of Thomas Becker
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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