This is a model of unknown scale of the Mercury-Redstone, the launch vehicle for the initial missions in the nation's first manned spaceflight program, Project Mercury. NASA modified the Army's Redstone medium-range ballistic missile to develop the Mercury-Redstone. It launched America's first astronaut in space on May 5, 1961. Alan Shepard, Jr., and the Freedom 7 capsule were lifted to a height of nearly 140 miles and a range of almost 600 miles in a flight lasting a little less than 16 minutes. The rocket was then used for the last time in the program when on July 21, 1961, it launched Virgil Grissom on another suborbital flight. Chrysler Corporation made this model and donated it to NASM in 1963.
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
MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Chrysler Corporation
Dimensions
Overall: 1ft 9 1/2in. x 1 1/2in. (54.61 x 3.81cm)
Storage (w/ stand): 9.8 x 9.8 x 57.8cm (3 7/8 x 3 7/8 x 22 3/4 in.)
Materials
Plastic
Paint
Steel
Wood
Felt
Varnish
Adhesive
Plastic model with wood base.
Inventory Number
A19630432000
Credit Line
Gift of Chrysler
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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