Freedom 7 60 years ago today.

[Einion Yrth]

Since no one has mentioned it, I thought I would. 60 years ago today Alan Shepard became the first citizen of the USA to enter space, in Freedom 7 atop Mercury-Redstone 3.

[Eric Mc]

Thanks for the reminder. The whole 15 minute mission can be followed here -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xd9kg-fJ9g

[Clive Milk]

The start of the USA's catch up, the rolling stone that gathered no moss as it went to the moon.

It would have been interesting to live in those days and experience it, without the internet. Less words, more impact ?

[SCEtoAUX]

Greatest queue jumper of all time. God speed Alan Shepard.

[Eric Mc]

Are you referring to Apollo 14?

[rxe]

What is impressive is the lack of reaction with the rocket lights up. I assume that the Picture in Picture is synchronised properly, but he didn’t even blink as it started. He looks for all the world like he is trying out his spacesuit and watching TV.

[Eric Mc]

What way should he have reacted?

The camera that was mounted in the cockpit operated at a fairly slow frame rate so the occupant always appeared to move in a rather jerky fashion - so it may have missed more subtle reactions.

[rxe]

Eric Mc said:

What way should he have reacted?

The camera that was mounted in the cockpit operated at a fairly slow frame rate so the occupant always appeared to move in a rather jerky fashion - so it may have missed more subtle reactions.

I suspect that if someone had lit a rocket under my arse, I would grimace or probably have some sort of involuntary movement. Clench my teeth or something. Mayber close my eyes for an instant.

[Halmyre]

rxe said:

Eric Mc said:

What way should he have reacted?

The camera that was mounted in the cockpit operated at a fairly slow frame rate so the occupant always appeared to move in a rather jerky fashion - so it may have missed more subtle reactions.

I suspect that if someone had lit a rocket under my arse, I would grimace or probably have some sort of involuntary movement. Clench my teeth or something. Mayber close my eyes for an instant.

Heh, yes, at least Al only pee'd in his suit.

[Eric Mc]

rxe said:

I suspect that if someone had lit a rocket under my arse, I would grimace or probably have some sort of involuntary movement. Clench my teeth or something. Mayber close my eyes for an instant.

That's because you're not Alan Shepard.

[Einion Yrth]

Halmyre said:

rxe said:

Eric Mc said:

What way should he have reacted?

The camera that was mounted in the cockpit operated at a fairly slow frame rate so the occupant always appeared to move in a rather jerky fashion - so it may have missed more subtle reactions.

I suspect that if someone had lit a rocket under my arse, I would grimace or probably have some sort of involuntary movement. Clench my teeth or something. Mayber close my eyes for an instant.

Heh, yes, at least Al only pee'd in his suit.

He must have known he shouldn't have had that second cup of coffee.

[Ayahuasca]

Very little visible exhaust gas compared to later rockets.

[Eric Mc]

The Redstone used liquid oxygen and ethyl alcohol as it’s propellants - similar to the V2.
Later rockets, such as the Atlas, Thor, Delta and even the 1st stages of the Saturn 1 and 5, used liquid oxygen and RP1 ( a high grade kerosene).

[Halmyre]

'Chasing The Moon' was on PBS America last night and, watching the clip of the 'Mercury 7' press conference, I've never in my life seen seven men so much wishing they were elsewhere.

[Eric Mc]

It was an experience none of them had ever been trained to deal with. I suppose, back in those days, fame and publicity was something only associated with singers, film stars, sports stars, politicians and murderers.