Browse All : Atlas and Mercury of Florida

MA-1 Capsule Reassembled After Explosion

MA-1 Capsule Reassembled Aft …

Title	MA-1 Capsule Reassembled After Explosion
Full Description	The main objectives of Mercury Atlas-1's (MA-1) were to recover the capsule and test the integrity of the Mercury capsule structure and afterbody shingles. About one minute after liftoff MA-1 exploded and the remaining debris landed 7 miles off the Florida shore. The debris was collected and engineers attempted to reassemble MA-1 to determine the cause of the explosion.
Date	07/29/1960
NASA Center	Johnson Space Center

Mercury 8 in Hanger

Title	Mercury 8 in Hanger
Full Description	Personnel in Hangar S at Cape Canaveral, Florida prepare Wally Schirra's Mercury 8 capsule nicknamed "Sigma 7" for delivery to the launch pad to be mated to the Atlas launch vehicle.
Date	09/10/1962
NASA Center	Johnson Space Center

Mercury-Atlas Rocket on the …

Title	Mercury-Atlas Rocket on the Launch Pad
Full Description	Pre-launch test of the Mercury-Atlas 9 (MA9) on Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date	5/14/1963
NASA Center	Kennedy Space Center

Mercury-Atlas Test Launch

Title	Mercury-Atlas Test Launch
Full Description	A NASA Project Mercury spacecraft was test launched at 11:15 AM EST on April 25, 1961 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in a test designed to qualify the Mercury Spacecraft and all systems, which must function during orbit and reentry from orbit. The Mercury-Atlas vehicle was destroyed by Range Safety Officer about 40 seconds after liftoff. The spacecraft was recovered and appeared to be in good condition. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched both Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002.
Date	04/25/1961
NASA Center	Kennedy Space Center

Carpenter Launch

Title	Carpenter Launch
Full Description	Scott Carpenter's Aurora 7 Mercury Atlas rocket lifts off from Pad 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 24, 1962.
Date	09/25/1962
NASA Center	Johnson Space Center

Cooper

Title	Cooper
Full Description	Launch of Mercury Atlas 9 rocket with astronaut Gordon Cooper onboard from Launch Pad 14 at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date	5/15/1963
NASA Center	Kennedy Space Center

Unloading Atlas Launch Vehic …

Title	Unloading Atlas Launch Vehicle
Full Description	The Atlas launch vehicle is shown being unloaded at Cape Canaveral, Florida. This vehicle was expected to launch a Mercury spacecraft (without any astronauts aboard), built by McDonnell Aircraft Corp., into orbit. The Atlas attempted to place the Mercury spacecraft into its first orbital flight. The spacecraft was supposed to be launched in an orbital flight path and reentry was to be initiated about 90 minutes later as the craft neared the end of the first orbit. Unfortunately, this Atlas exploded at launch. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched both Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002.
Date	04/23/1961
NASA Center	Kennedy Space Center

Launch of Mercury-Atlas

Title	Launch of Mercury-Atlas
Full Description	In this Project Mercury test, a spacecraft booster by a modified Atlas was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Mercury capsule reached a peak altitude of 107 statute miles and landed 1.425 miles down range. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched both Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002 (in which Dennis Jenkins notes on page 98 that "as a space launch vehicle there is no question that Atlas has made a mark for itself, and a great deal of money for its manufacturers").
Date	02/21/1961
NASA Center	Kennedy Space Center

Mercury-Atlas 3 liftoff

Title	Mercury-Atlas 3 liftoff
Description	A NASA project Mercury spacecraft was launched at 11:15 AM on April 25, 1961 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The vehicle was destroyed by the Range Safety Officer about 40 seconds after liftoff.
Date	04.25.1961

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within sight of the KSC Vehicle Assembly Building (at left on the horizon), the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station waits for its demise. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within sight of the KSC Vehicle Assembly Building (at left on the horizon), the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station waits for its demise. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the dust settles at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the ruins of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B are visible. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the dust settles at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the ruins of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B are visible. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station kicks up a wall of dust. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station kicks up a wall of dust. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station careens to the left after 122 pounds of explosives eliminated the base. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station careens to the left after 122 pounds of explosives eliminated the base. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B crashes to the ground. It is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B crashes to the ground. It is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B has been identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B has been identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This panoramic view of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shows the two mobile service towers on the ground after their demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This panoramic view of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shows the two mobile service towers on the ground after their demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser
Release Date	06/16/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Rocket Garden at the KSC Visitor Complex features eight authentic rockets from the past, including a Mercury-Atlas rocket. The garden also features a climb-in Mercury, Gemino and Apollo capsule replicas, seating pods and informative graphic elements.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - …

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Rocket Garden at the KSC Visitor Complex features eight authentic rockets from the past, including a Mercury-Atlas rocket. The garden also features a climb-in Mercury, Gemino and Apollo capsule replicas, seating pods and informative graphic elements.
Release Date	07/22/2003

Mercury-Atlas 3 liftoff

Title	Mercury-Atlas 3 liftoff
Description	A NASA project Mercury spacecraft was launched at 11:15 AM on April 25, 1961 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The vehicle was destroyed by the Range Safety Officer about 40 seconds after liftoff.
Date Taken	1961-04-25

Launch of Mercury-Atlas 2 vehicle on Feb. 21, 1961

Launch of Mercury-Atlas 2 ve …

Title	Launch of Mercury-Atlas 2 vehicle on Feb. 21, 1961
Description	MERCURY-ATLAS 2 LAUNCH --- Launch of the unmanned, sub-orbital Mercury-Atlas 2 vehicle on Feb. 21, 1961. Altitude was 108 miles, speed, 13,000 mph. The capsule was recovered 1,425 miles downrange.
Date Taken	1961-02-21

Astronaut John Glenn takes part in spacecraft systems briefing

Astronaut John Glenn takes p …

Title	Astronaut John Glenn takes part in spacecraft systems briefing
Description	Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 6 "Friendship 7" mission, takes part in spacecraft systems briefing during preflight activity at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1961-12-12

Newsmen, photographers and T.V. reporters await MA-6 liftoff

Newsmen, photographers and T …

Title	Newsmen, photographers and T.V. reporters await MA-6 liftoff
Description	During the early hours of dawn, newsmen, photographers and T.V. reporters await the Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6) liftoff at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1962-07-21

Close-up view of Mercury-Atlas 4 at Cape Canaveral

Close-up view of Mercury-Atl …

Title	Close-up view of Mercury-Atlas 4 at Cape Canaveral
Description	Close-up view of the unmanned Mercury-Atlas 4 on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1990-01-18

Astronaut Scott Carpenter in Hanger S crew quarters during suiting exercise

Astronaut Scott Carpenter in …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter in Hanger S crew quarters during suiting exercise
Description	Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for the Mercury-Atlas 7 flight, is seen in Hanger S crew quarters during a suiting exercise at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1962-01-15

Astronaut John Glenn practices insertion into Mercury spacecraft

Astronaut John Glenn practic …

Title	Astronaut John Glenn practices insertion into Mercury spacecraft
Description	Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, practices insertion into the Mercury "Friendship 7" spacecraft during MA-6 preflight training activity at Cape Canveral, Florida. He is wearing the full pressure suit and helmet (00993), Glenn practices insertion into Mercury capsule with help of a McDonnell Aircraft Corporation technician (00994).
Date Taken	1962-02-05

Astronaut Scott Carpenter completes water egress test

Astronaut Scott Carpenter co …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter completes water egress test
Description	Project Mercury Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 7, goes through a water egress test. He is in the Mercury pressure suit, without the helmet, and is wearing a life vest.
Date Taken	1962-04-18

Astronauts Scott Carpenter and Walter Schirra completes water egress test

Astronauts Scott Carpenter a …

Title	Astronauts Scott Carpenter and Walter Schirra completes water egress test
Description	Project Mercury Astronauts M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 7, prepares to go through a water egress test. Astronaut Walter M. Schirra (back to camera), the backup MA-7 pilot is also present. Carpenter and Schirra are in the Mercury pressure suit, without the helmet. Behind them is an inflated life raft.
Date Taken	1962-04-18

Astronaut John Glenn practic …

Title	Astronaut John Glenn practices insertion into Mercury spacecraft
Description	Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, practices insertion into the Mercury "Friendship 7" spacecraft during MA-6 preflight training activity at Cape Canveral, Florida. He is wearing the full pressure suit and helmet (00993), Glenn practices insertion into Mercury capsule with help of a McDonnell Aircraft Corporation technician (00994).
Date Taken	1962-02-05

Astronaut Scott Carpenter completes top egress training in white room

Astronaut Scott Carpenter co …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter completes top egress training in white room
Description	Project Mercury Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 7 (the nation's second manned orbital flight), completing top egress training in the white room at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The line he is holding is known as the "man line" which attaches the survival kit to the astronaut. The bag is the survival kit he carries for contingency landings. Clearly visible around his neck is the bag containing the life vest.
Date Taken	1962-03-16

Astronaut Scott Carpenter leaving White Room for launch site

Astronaut Scott Carpenter le …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter leaving White Room for launch site
Description	Astronaut Scott Carpenter leaving White Room for launch site to begin Mercury-Atlas 7 mission.
Date Taken	1962-05-24

Astronaut Scott Carpenter co …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter completes water egress test
Description	Project Mercury Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 7, goes through a water egress test.
Date Taken	1962-07-20

Launch of the Mercury-Atlas …

Title	Launch of the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission
Description	The Mercury-Atlas 7 (MA-7), carrying Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, was launched by NASA from Pad 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 24, 1962.
Date Taken	1962-05-24

View of Mercury Control Center prior to MA-8 flight

View of Mercury Control Cent …

Title	View of Mercury Control Center prior to MA-8 flight
Description	View of Mercury Control Center prior to the Mercury-Atlas 8 (MA-8) flight of the Sigma 7.
Date Taken	1962-09-10

Astronaut Walter Schirra suited-up prior to MA-8 flight

Astronaut Walter Schirra sui …

Title	Astronaut Walter Schirra suited-up prior to MA-8 flight
Description	Astronaut Walter M. Schirra Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 8 (MA-8) earth orbital space flight, is suited up at Cape Canaveral, Florida, during the MA-8 prelaunch countdown. Schirra is talking to Astronaut Donald K. Slayton.
Date Taken	1962-10-05

Launch of the Mercury-Atlas …

Title	Launch of the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission
Description	Launch of the Mercury-Atlas 8 "Sigma 7" mission
Date Taken	1962-10-05

Launch of the Mercury-Atlas …

Title	Launch of the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission
Description	The Mercury-Atlas 7 (MA-7), carrying Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, was launched by NASA from Pad 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 24, 1962.
Date Taken	1962-09-25

Astronaut Scott Carpenter receives NASA Distinguised Service Medal

Astronaut Scott Carpenter re …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter receives NASA Distinguised Service Medal
Description	Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, receives the NASA Distinguished Service Medal from NASA Adminstrator James E. Webb during ceremonies at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1962-09-19

Launch of the Mercury-Atlas …

Title	Launch of the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission
Description	Launch of the Mercury-Atlas 8 "Sigma 7" mission
Date Taken	1962-10-29

Astronaut Gordon Cooper and technicians watch Atlas 130D hoisted into place

Astronaut Gordon Cooper and …

Title	Astronaut Gordon Cooper and technicians watch Atlas 130D hoisted into place
Description	Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper and General Dynamics pad technicians watch Atlas 130D being hoisted into place in the gantry at pad #14, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1963-03-01

Astronaut John Glenn running as part of physical training program

Astronaut John Glenn running …

Title	Astronaut John Glenn running as part of physical training program
Description	Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, participates in a strict physical training program, as he exemplifies by frequent running. Here he pauses during an exercise period on the beach near Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1964-02-12

Astronaut John Glenn is suited up at Cape Canaveral during MA-6 activities

Astronaut John Glenn is suit …

Title	Astronaut John Glenn is suited up at Cape Canaveral during MA-6 activities
Description	Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 6 earth-obital space mission, is suited up at Cape Canaveral, Florida, during MA-6 preflight activities. Assisting Glenn is suit technician Al Rochford.
Date Taken	1964-02-12

Astronaut Scott Carpenter in Hanger S crew quarters during suiting activity

Astronaut Scott Carpenter in …

Title	Astronaut Scott Carpenter in Hanger S crew quarters during suiting activity
Description	Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for the Mercury-Atlas 7 flight, is seen in Hanger S crew quarters during a preflight suiting activity at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He is assisted in suiting by technician Al Rochford. In this view, Carpenter is fully suited and is having his gloves adjusted.
Date Taken	1964-02-12

Astronaut Gordon Cooper participates in pre-flight simulation training

Astronaut Gordon Cooper part …

Title	Astronaut Gordon Cooper participates in pre-flight simulation training
Description	Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 9 earth orbital space mission, participates in pre-flight simulation training inside his Mercury capsule at Cape Canaveral.
Date Taken	1964-02-12

Momument at Pad 14 honoring Project Mercury

Momument at Pad 14 honoring …

Title	Momument at Pad 14 honoring Project Mercury
Description	Momument at Pad 14 honoring Project Mercury. The Arabic number 7 represents the seven original astronauts. The other figure is the astronomical symbol of the Planet Mercury. In background is the Gemini 12 Agena Target Docking Vehicle atop its Atlas launch vehicle at Cape Kennedy, Florida.
Date Taken	1966-11-09

President Kennedy briefed on operation of Mercury Control Center

President Kennedy briefed on …

Title	President Kennedy briefed on operation of Mercury Control Center
Description	President John F. Kennedy being briefed on the operation of the Mercury Control Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida following the Mercury-Atlas 6 flight. MA-6 pilot John H. Glenn (partially obscured) conducts the tour. In the center to Glenn's left is Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., the MA-6 flight director and Chief of the Flight Operations Division at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston. Next to Kraft is Astronaut Alan R. Shepard Jr., pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 3 mission, the U.S. first manned space flight.
Date Taken	1974-11-18

Astronaut Schirra and Flight Director Kraft discuss MA-8 flight plan

Astronaut Schirra and Flight …

Title	Astronaut Schirra and Flight Director Kraft discuss MA-8 flight plan
Description	Astronaut Walter M. Schirra Jr, (right), Mercury-Atlas 8 (MA-8) pilot, discusses the MA-8 flight plan with Flight Director Christopher C. Kraft Jr., Chief of the Flight Operations Division at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, during MA-8 preflight preparations at Cape Canaveral, Florida. They are seated at a console in the Mercury Control Center.
Date Taken	1975-10-16

Flight Director Kraft discusses MA-8 flight with Cooper and Schirra

Flight Director Kraft discus …

Title	Flight Director Kraft discusses MA-8 flight with Cooper and Schirra
Description	Flight Director Christopher C. Kraft Jr. (center), Chief of the Flight Operations Division at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, discusses the Mercury-Atlas 8 (MA-8) flight plan with Astronauts L. Gordon Cooper Jr. (left) and Walter M. Schirra Jr., on September 19, 1962. They are standing in the Mercury Control Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Date Taken	1975-10-16

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