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Mercury-Atlas 3 rocket launch, 1961
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Mercury-Atlas 3 rocket launch, 1961
Mercury-Atlas 3 rocket launch. The small Mercury spacecraft (black) on top of the Atlas rocket is 2 metres long and only large enough for one crew member. The Launch Escape System tower and rocket are seen above the spacecraft. This unmanned test launch lifted off at 11:15 EST on 25 April 1961 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. It was detonated about 40 seconds later, with the spacecraft recovered for examination. Project Mercury took place from 1959 to 1963, succeeding in putting the first US astronaut in space on 5 May 1961. A total of six missions were flown, with four using the 29-metre long Atlas rocket
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Media ID 9273031
© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1960s 1961 Atlas Cape Canaveral Column Exhaust Gases Flames Florida Gantry Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad Mercury North American Rocket Rocketry Space Flight Space Race Spacecraft Spaceflight Take Off Test Unmanned Atlas Rocket Project Mercury
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This print captures the historic Mercury-Atlas 3 rocket launch that took place in 1961. Standing tall at Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Atlas rocket with its Launch Escape System tower looms above the small but mighty Mercury spacecraft. Measuring a mere two meters long, this compact vessel was designed to accommodate only one crew member. The photograph freezes a moment in time as the unmanned test launch commences at precisely 11:15 EST on April 25th. However, just forty seconds later, an explosive detonation occurs, marking the end of this particular mission. Despite its short-lived flight, the spacecraft is recovered for thorough examination and analysis. Project Mercury spanned from 1959 to 1963 and played a pivotal role in American space exploration history. It successfully achieved its goal of sending the first US astronaut into space on May 5th, 1961. Throughout six missions conducted under Project Mercury's umbrella, four utilized the impressive Atlas rocket measuring an astonishing twenty-nine meters long. As exhaust gases billow out from beneath it and flames engulf its base during takeoff, this monochrome image encapsulates both technological prowess and historical significance. The photo serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination during an era marked by intense competition in space exploration between nations - commonly known as the Space Race. Preserved by Science Photo Library for future generations to admire and study, this remarkable snapshot showcases not only advancements in rocketry but also represents a significant milestone in United States' journey towards conquering outer space.
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