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Capsule, Mercury #15B, ca. 1963. Creator: McDonnell Aircraft Corp
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Capsule, Mercury #15B, ca. 1963. Creator: McDonnell Aircraft Corp
This Mercury capsule, number 15B, is one of two left showing the complete one-man spacecraft in its orbital configuration. It includes the silver and black retrorocket package used to slow the capsule for return to Earth and the nose section containing the parachutes. The first American in space, Alan B. Shepard, Jr. hoped to fly this Mercury capsule on a long-duration orbital mission in late 1963 called Mercury-Atlas 10 (MA-10). After the success of MA-9, flown by astronaut Gordon Cooper in May 1963, NASA decided to cancel MA-10 to concentrate on its next human spaceflight project, Gemini. Reflecting Shepards hope of flying in space again, he had the name Freedom 7 II, in tribute to his historic 1961 capsule, Freedom 7, painted on the spacecraft. In September 1967 NASA transferred the capsule to the Smithsonian Institution
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Air And Space Museum Alan Shepard Capsule Nasa Nasm National Air And Space Museum Project Mercury Shepard Alan Space Space Travel Spacecraft
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This print showcases the iconic Capsule, Mercury #15B, created by McDonnell Aircraft Corp in the early 1960s. This particular Mercury capsule is one of only two remaining examples that display the complete one-man spacecraft in its orbital configuration. It encompasses the silver and black retrorocket package utilized to decelerate the capsule for reentry into Earth's atmosphere, as well as the nose section housing the essential parachutes. Originally intended for a long-duration orbital mission called Mercury-Atlas 10 (MA-10), this historic spacecraft was eagerly anticipated by Alan B. Shepard Jr. , who became America's first astronaut to journey into space aboard his Freedom 7 capsule in 1961. In homage to his groundbreaking flight, Shepard had "Freedom 7 II" painted on this Mercury capsule, symbolizing his aspiration to venture into space once again. However, due to NASA's decision to focus on their upcoming project Gemini following Gordon Cooper's successful MA-9 mission in May 1963, MA-10 was ultimately canceled. Subsequently, this remarkable piece of aerospace history found its way to the Smithsonian Institution in September 1967. The photograph highlights various notable features of this extraordinary artifact: from its ablation shield glass fibers resin and beryllium shingles removed during restoration work; skin structure composed of titanium; and shingles made from nickel steel alloy. The image serves as a testament not only to technological advancements but also pays tribute to American ingenuity and exploration beyond our planet's boundaries.
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