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Shepard Completes His Missio …
On May 5, 1961, NASA astrona …
5/5/09
Description On May 5, 1961, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard piloted his Freedom 7 Mercury capsule in a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming America's first astronaut....
Date 5/5/09
Shepard Completes His Missio …
On May 5, 1961, NASA astrona …
5/5/09
Description On May 5, 1961, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard piloted his Freedom 7 Mercury capsule in a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming America's first astronaut. In this image, he is shown being hoisted aboard a U.S. Marine helicopter after splashdown. The flight carried him to an altitude of 116 statute miles. Image Credit: NASA
Date 5/5/09
NASA Destination Tomorrow - …
NASA Destination Tomorrow Se …
6/1/03
Description NASA Destination Tomorrow Segment describing how Dr. Maxime Faget's space capsule design helped launch the United States into the Space Age.
Date 6/1/03
NASA Destination Tomorrow - …
NASA Destination Tomorrow Vi …
6/1/03
Description NASA Destination Tomorrow Video containing five segments as described below. NASA Destination Tomorrow Segment describing NASA's Child Safety Alert System for automobiles. NASA Destination Tomorrow Segment explaining how NASA uses flight simulators to ass
Date 6/1/03
Alan Shepard
Title Alan Shepard
Full Description A closeup of astronaut Alan Shepard in his space suit seated inside the Mercury capsule. He is undergoing a flight simulation test with the capsule mated to the Redstone booster.
Date 4/29/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Alan Shepard in Space Suit b …
Title Alan Shepard in Space Suit before Mercury Launch
Full Description Profile of astronaut Alan Shepard in his silver pressure suit with the helmet visor closed as he prepares for his upcoming Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) launch. On May 5th 1961, Alan B. Shepard Jr. became the first American to fly into space. His Freedom 7 Mercury capsule flew a suborbital trajectory lasting 15 minutes 22 seconds. His spacecraft splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean where he and Freedom 7 were recovered by helicopter and transported to the awaiting aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lake Champlain.
Date 07/28/1961
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Mercury 3 Flight Simulation
Title Mercury 3 Flight Simulation
Full Description Alan Shepard, one of the three prime astronauts, is being inserted into a Mercury capsule. A flight simulation test with a full countdown is programmed for Shepard to check out hardware and launch personnel activities in the Redstone launch.
Date 4/29/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Mercury Astronauts Receiving …
Title Mercury Astronauts Receiving the Collier Trophy
Full Description NASA Administrator James E. Webb (center) cites the space achievements of the Project Mercury Astronauts who received the 1963 Collier Trophy Award in a ceremony held at the White House on October 10, 1963. President John F. Kennedy (left) and Vice President Lyndon Johnson accompanied Webb at the ceremony. Five of the Mercury Seven astronauts are visible in the row behind James Webb. They are (starting from JFK's left): Alan Shepard, Donald "Deke" Slayton, John Glenn, Virgil "Gus" Grissom, and Scott Carpenter.
Date 10/10/1963
NASA Center Headquarters
Mercury astronauts survival …
Title Mercury astronauts survival training
Full Description The seven original Mercury astronauts participate in U.S. Air Force survival school at Stead Air Force Base in Nevada. Picture from left to right are L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., M. Scott Carpenter, John H. Glenn, Jr., Alan Shepard, Virgil I. Grissom, Walter M. Schirra, Jr., and Donald K. Slayton. Portions of their clothing have been fashioned from parachute material, and all have grown beards from their time in the wilderness. The purpose of this training was to prepare astronauts in the event of an emergency or faulty landing in a remote area.
Date 1960
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Mitchell Studies Map
Title Mitchell Studies Map
Full Description Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, Apollo 14 Lunar Module pilot, moves across the lunar surface as he looks over a traverse map during extravehicular activity (EVA). Lunar dust can be seen clinging to the boots and legs of the space suit.
Date 02/06/1971
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Dr. Wernher von Braun and As …
Title Dr. Wernher von Braun and Astronaut Cooper
Full Description Dr. Wernher von Braun and Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper in the blockhouse during the recovery operation of MR-3 (Freedom 7) mission on May 5, 1961. The MR-3 mission, a 15-1/2 minutes sub-orbital test flight, put the first American, Astronaut Alan Shepard, in space.
Date 5/5/1961
NASA Center Marshall Space Flight Center
Shepard and Schmitt Enjoying …
Title Shepard and Schmitt Enjoying a Light Hearted Moment
Full Description Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt shares a moment of relaxation with astronaut Alan Shepard during prelaunch suiting operations. Schmitt will explore the Moon's Taurus-Littrow region with Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan during NASA's sixth and last manned lunar landing mission. The third crewman, Ronald E. Evans, will pilot the command module alone in lunar orbit during his crewmates' surface exploration.
Date 12/6/1972
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Shepard Enters Cleanroom
Title Shepard Enters Cleanroom
Full Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., makes his way from the elevator to the cleanroom atop the service tower where he'll be inserted into his Mercury space capsule nicknamed "Freedom 7.
Date 5/5/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Shepard Hoisted from Mercury …
Title Shepard Hoisted from Mercury Capsule
Full Description A U.S. Marine helicopter recovery team hoists astronaut Alan Shepard from his Mercury spacecraft after a successful flight and splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. On May 5th 1961, Alan B. Shepard Jr. became the first American to fly into space. His Freedom 7 Mercury capsule flew a suborbital trajectory lasting 15 minutes 22 seconds. His spacecraft landed in the Atlantic Ocean where he and his capsule were recovered by helicopter and transported to the awaiting aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lake Champlain.
Date 07/20/1961
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Shepard Hoisted into Recover …
Title Shepard Hoisted into Recovery Helicopter
Full Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard is hoisted aboard a U.S. Marine helicopter after splashdown of his "Freedom 7" Mercury space capsule.
Date 05/05/1961
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Shepard Next to Modular Equi …
Title Shepard Next to Modular Equipment Transporter
Full Description Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard stands by the Modular Equipment Transporter (MET). The MET, which the astronauts nicknamed the "rickshaw," was a cart for carrying around tools, cameras and sample cases on the lunar surface. Shepard can be identified by the vertical stripe on his helmet. After Apollo 13, the commander's spacesuit had red stripes on the helmet, arms, and one leg, to help identify them in photographs.
Date 02/05/1971
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Shepard on Deck of Champlain …
Title Shepard on Deck of Champlain after Recovery
Full Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard is seen on the deck of the U.S.S. Lake Champlain after the recovery of his Freedom 7 Mercury space capsule.
Date 05/05/1961
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Shepard Plants Flag
Title Shepard Plants Flag
Full Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., Apollo 14 Commander, stands by the U.S. flag on the lunar Fra Mauro Highlands during the early moments of the first extravehicular activity (EVA-1) of the mission. Shadows of the Lunar Module "Antares", astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, Lunar Module pilot, and the erectable S-band Antenna surround the scene of the third American flag planting to be performed on the lunar surface.
Date 02/05/1971
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Freedom 7 and Shepard In fli …
Title Freedom 7 and Shepard In flight
Full Description Astronaut Alan Shepard photographed in flight by a 16mm movie camera inside the Freedom 7 spacecraft. Shepard is just about to raise the shield in front of his face during descent after opening of the main parachute.
Date 5/5/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy and Shepard in Washi …
Title Kennedy and Shepard in Washington D.C.
Full Description President John F. Kennedy congratulates astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., the first American in space, on his historic May 5th, 1961 ride in the Freedom 7 spacecraft and presents him with the NASA Distinguished Service Award. The ceremony took place on the White House lawn. Shepard's wife, Louise (left in white dress and hat), and his mother were in attendance as well as the other six Mercury astronauts and NASA officals, some visible in the background.
Date 05/06/1961
NASA Center Headquarters
Launch of Freedom 7
Title Launch of Freedom 7
Full Description Launch of Freedom 7, the first American manned suborbital space flight. Astronaut Alan Shepard aboard, the Mercury-Redstone (MR-3) rocket is launched from Pad 5.
Date 5/5/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
The Recovery of Freedom 7
Name of Image The Recovery of Freedom 7
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description This photo depicts the recovery of the Freedom 7 (MR-3) capsule by a U.S. Marine helicopter. The MR-3 mission successfully placed the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, in space for 15-1/2 minutes and returned safely to Earth on May 5, 1961.
Dr. von Braun With Five of t …
Name of Image Dr. von Braun With Five of the Original Astronauts
Date of Image 1959-01-01
Full Description Five of the seven original astronauts are seen with Dr. von Braun inspecting the Mercury-Redstone hardware in the Fabrication Laboratory of Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in 1959. Left to right: Astronauts Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, and Dr. von Braun.
MSFC Historic Redstone Test …
Name of Image MSFC Historic Redstone Test Stand
Date of Image 1988-01-01
Full Description The Redstone Test Stand, shown here, was used throughout the 1950s to test the Redstone missionile, including the modified Redstone that launched America's first astronaut, Alan Shepard. The U. S. Department of the Interior's Park Services designated the Test Stand as a National Historic Landmark January 22, 1986.
The Recovery Operations of M …
Name of Image The Recovery Operations of MR-3 Mission
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description This photo depicts the recovery operations of the MR-3 mission. Astronaut Alan Shepard was picked up by a U.S. Marine helicopter after the completion of the first marned suborbital flight by MR-3 (Mercury-Redstone) with the Freedom 7 capsule.
Chimpanzee "Ham" In Biopack …
Name of Image Chimpanzee "Ham" In Biopack Couch
Date of Image 1961-01-31
Full Description A three-year-old chimpanzee, named Ham, in the biopack couch for the MR-2 suborbital test flight. On January 31, 1961, a Mercury-Redstone launch from Cape Canaveral carried the chimpanzee "Ham" over 640 kilometers down range in an arching trajectory that reached a peak of 254 kilometers above the Earth. The mission was successful and Ham performed his lever-pulling task well in response to the flashing light. NASA used chimpanzees and other primates to test the Mercury Capsule before launching the first American astronaut Alan Shepard in May 1961. The successful flight and recovery confirmed the soundness of the Mercury-Redstone systems.
Historical Redstone Test Sta …
Name of Image Historical Redstone Test Stand
Date of Image 1992-05-01
Full Description The Redstone Test Stand was used during the 1950s in early development of the Redstone missile propulsion system. This was the test stand where the modified Redstone missile that launched into space the first American, Alan Shepard, was static tested as the last step before the flight occurred.
The Redstone, Jupiter-C and …
Name of Image The Redstone, Jupiter-C and Mercury Redstone
Date of Image 1961-01-01
Full Description This is a comparison illustration of the Redstone, Jupiter-C, and Mercury Redstone launch vehicles. The Redstone ballistic missile was a high-accuracy, liquid-propelled, surface-to-surface missile. Originally developed as a nose cone re-entry test vehicle for the Jupiter intermediate range ballistic missile, the Jupiter-C was a modification of the Redstone missile and successfully launched the first American Satellite, Explorer-1, in orbit on January 31, 1958. The Mercury Redstone lifted off carrying the first American, astronaut Alan Shepard, in his Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7, on May 5, 1961.
Dr. von Braun with Seven Ori …
Name of Image Dr. von Braun with Seven Original Mercury Astronauts
Date of Image 1959-01-01
Full Description In this photo, Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director of the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, is shown briefing the seven original Mercury astronauts in ABMA's Fabrication Laboratory. (Left to right) Guss Grissom, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Donald Slayton, and Dr. von Braun.
Dr. von Braun with Original …
Name of Image Dr. von Braun with Original Mercury Astronauts
Date of Image 1959-01-01
Full Description Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, poses with the original Mercury astronauts in ABMA's Fabrication Laboratory during a 1959 visit. Inspecting Mercury-Redstone hardware are from left to right, Alan Shepard, Donald Deke Slayton, Virgil Gus Grissom, von Braun, Gordon Cooper, Wally Schirra, John Glenn, and Scott Carpenter. Project Mercury officially began October 7, 1958 as the United States' first manned space program.
Ham in Spacesuit
Name of Image Ham in Spacesuit
Date of Image 1961-01-01
Full Description Ham, a three-year-old chimpanzee, in the spacesuit he would wear for the second Mercury- Redstone (MR-2) suborbital test flight in January, 1961. NASA used chimpanzees and other primates to test the Mercury capsule before launching the fisrt American astronaut, Alan Shepard, in May 1961. The Mercury capsule rode atop a modified Redstone rocket, developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and the German Rocket Team in Huntsville, Alabama.
Dr. von Braun and Astronaut …
Name of Image Dr. von Braun and Astronaut Cooper During MR-3 Recovery
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description Photographed are Dr. von Braun and Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper in the blockhouse during the recovery operation of the MR-3 (Freedom 7) mission on May 5, 1961. The MR-3 mission, a 15-1/2-minute suborbital test flight, put the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, in space.
Shepard With Freedom 7 Capsu …
Name of Image Shepard With Freedom 7 Capsule
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description Alan B. Shepard, Jr., America's first astronaut, stands in front of the Freedom 7 spacecraft shortly after completion of the third flight of the Mercury-Redstone (MR-3) vehicle, May 5, 1961. During the 15-minute suborbital flight, the Freedom 7 Mercury spacecraft, launched atop a modified Redstone rocket developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and the rocket team in Huntsville, Alabama, reached an altitude of 115 miles and traveled 302 miles downrange.
Shepard Awaits Liftoff
Name of Image Shepard Awaits Liftoff
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. awaits liftoff in the Freedom 7 Mercury spacecraft on May 5, 1961. This third flight of the Mercury-Redstone (MR-3) vehicle, developed by D. Wernher von Braun and the rocket team in Huntsville, Alabama, was the first marned space mission for the United States. During the 15-minute suborbital flight, Shepard reached an altitude of 115 miles and traveled 302 miles downrange.
A Chimpanzee, "Ham," in the …
Name of Image A Chimpanzee, "Ham," in the Biopack Couch for the MR-2 Flight
Date of Image 1961-01-01
Full Description A three-year-old chimpanzee, named Ham, in the biopack couch for the MR-2 suborbital test flight. On January 31, 1961, a Mercury-Redstone launch from Cape Canaveral carried the chimpanzee "Ham" over 640 kilometers down range in an arching trajectory that reached a peak of 254 kilometers above the Earth. The mission was successful and Ham performed his lever-pulling task well in response to the flashing light. NASA used chimpanzees and other primates to test the Mercury Capsule before launching the first American astronaut Alan Shepard in May 1961. The successful flight and recovery confirmed the soundness of the Mercury-Redstone systems.
The Launch of Mercury-Redsto …
Name of Image The Launch of Mercury-Redstone
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description The launch of the Mercury-Redstone (MR-3), Freedom 7. MR-3 placed the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, in suborbit on May 5, 1961.
Astronaut Alan Shepard in Sp …
Name of Image Astronaut Alan Shepard in Space Suit
Date of Image 1961-01-01
Full Description Astronaut Alan Shepard fitted with space suit prior to the first marned suborbital flight. Freedom 7, carrying Astronaut Alan Shepard, boosted by the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle, lifted off on May 5, 1961. Astronaut Shepard became the first American in space.
Astronaut Alan Shepard Under …
Name of Image Astronaut Alan Shepard Underwent a Physical Examination
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description Astronaut Alan Shepard underwent a physical examination prior to the first marned suborbital flight. Freedom 7 carrying Astronaut Alan Shepard, boosted by the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle, lifted off on May 5, 1961. Astronaut Shepard became the first American in space.
Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Pr …
Name of Image Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Prior to the First Marned Suborbital Flight
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. during suiting for the first manned suborbital flight, MR-3 mission. The Freedom 7 spacecraft, carrying the first American, Astronaut Shepard and boosted by the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle, lifted off on May 5, 1961.
The Celebration for Freedom …
Name of Image The Celebration for Freedom 7 at Huntsville, Alabama
Date of Image 1961-05-05
Full Description Dr. von Braun addresses a crowd celebrating in front of the Madison County Alabama Courthouse following the successful launch of Astronaut Alan Shepard (America's first astronaut in space) into space on a Mercury-Redstone Launch Vehicle, Freedom 7. Shepard's Mercury Spacecraft, was launched from Cape Canaveral. He reached a speed of 5200 mph. His flight lasted 15-1/2 minutes. May 5, 1961 (Photo: Courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Public Library)
Shepard Flies Freedom 7
Title Shepard Flies Freedom 7
Explanation Forty years ago today (May 5, 1961 [ http://www.thespaceplace.com/history/mercury/ mercury03.html ]), at the dawn of the space age [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/sputnik/ index.html ], NASA controllers "lit the candle" and sent Alan Shepard arcing into space atop a Redstone rocket [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap980404.html ]. The picture shows the pressure-suited Shepard before launch in his cramped space capsule [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/diagrams/ mercury.html ] dubbed "Freedom 7" [ http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/images/pao/MR3/ 10073523.htm ]. Broadcast live to a global television audience, the flight of Freedom 7 [ http://www.nasm.edu/galleries/attm/nojs/rm.ey.f7.1.html ] - the first space flight by an American - followed less than a month after the first human venture into space by Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010414.html ]. Freedom 7's historic flight [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/40thmerc7/ intro.htm ] was suborbital, lasting only about 15 minutes, but during it Shepard demonstrated manual control of his capsule. Naval aviator [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/40thmerc7/ shepard.htm ] Shepard was chosen as one of the original seven Mercury Program [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/ toc.htm ] astronauts. He considered this first flight [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/ch11-4.htm ] the greatest challenge and actively sought the assignment. Shepard's career as an astronaut spanned a remarkable period in human achievement and in 1971 he walked on the moon [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/a14/ a14.crew.html ] as commander of the Apollo 14 mission. A true pioneer and intrepid explorer, Alan Shepard died in 1998 [ http://www.nasa.gov/shepard.html ] at age 74.
Apollo 14 on the Moon
Title Apollo 14 on the Moon
Explanation The jewel-like glare from a brilliant sun reflects off the lunar module of the Apollo 14 [ http://www.c3.lanl.gov/~cjhamil/SolarSystem/apo14.htm ] mission to the Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950903.html ] as it rests on the lunar surface in February 1971. Astronauts Alan Shepard [ http://tigger.uic.edu/~jph/abs.htm ] and Edgar Mitchell walked on the Moon's surface [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950922.html ] while astronaut Stuart Roosa piloted the orbiting command module. Coming only months after the abortive Apollo 13 [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950707.html ] mission, Apollo 14 [ http://ees5-www.lanl.gov/APOLLO/ ] was famous for long exploratory moon walks, collecting samples of lunar bedrock from Cone Crater, deploying the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package, and hitting golf balls [ http://ees5-www.lanl.gov/APOLLO/a14.clsout2.html ]. The slope rising to the rim of Cone Crater is visible at the left edge of the photo.
Apollo 14 Deploys ALSEP
Title Apollo 14 Deploys ALSEP
Explanation After the lunar module [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951209.html ] of Apollo 14 [ http://bang.lanl.gov/solarsys/apo14.htm ] set down on the Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951128.html ], Astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell deployed the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) and collected samples of lunar material. The ALSEP scientific experiments included a seismometer [ http://gldfs.cr.usgs.gov/ ] sensitive to slight lunar surface movements, and charged particle detectors which measured the solar wind [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/lib/glossary.html#sol_wind ]. The seismometer successfully measured surface tremors interpreted as moonquakes [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950904.html ] and meteoroids [ http://ccf.arc.nasa.gov/sst/ ] striking the Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950903.html ], while the solar wind [ http://www.sel.bldrdoc.gov/effects.html ] experiment was sensitive enough to detect the element argon [ http://www.cchem.berkeley.edu/Table/Ar.html ]. These and other ALSEP experiments helped classify the internal structure and magnetic field of Earth's Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950629.html ]. Shepard and Mitchell also made a geology traverse to the rim of Cone Crater, carrying their tools and sample containers in the Modular Equipment Transporter (MET). In this picture Alan Shepard assembles a core tube which he will then hammer into the surface.
Mercury Astronauts and a Red …
Title Mercury Astronauts and a Redstone
Explanation Space suited project Mercury [ http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/history/mercury/mercury.html ] astronauts John H. Glenn [ http://politicsusa.com/PoliticsUSA/resources/almanac/ohs1.html.cgi ], Virgil I. Grissom [ http://repos.msfc.nasa.gov/history/mm/grisbio.html ], and Alan B. Shepard Jr. [ http://repos.msfc.nasa.gov/history/mm/shepbio.html ] (left to right) are pictured here posing in front of a Redstone rocket [ http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/pioneer.html ] in this 1961 NASA publicity photo. Project Mercury [ http://www.osf.hq.nasa.gov/mercury/ ] was the first U.S. program designed to put humans in space. It resulted in 6 manned flights using one-man capsules and Redstone and Atlas rockets. Shortly after the first U.S. manned flight on May 5, 1961, a suborbital flight piloted by Alan Shepard, President Kennedy announced the goal of a manned lunar landing by 1970. This goal was achieved by NASA's Apollo program [ http://bang.lanl.gov/solarsys/apo14.htm ] and Shepard himself walked on the moon as a member of the Apollo 14 [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951209.html ] mission.
Apollo 14: Rickshaw Tracks A …
Title Apollo 14: Rickshaw Tracks Across the Moon
Explanation Brilliant sunlight glints off tracks gently winding across the the Moon's Frau Maro highlands [ http://ees5-www.lanl.gov/APOLLO/a14.summary.html ]. The tracks were made by the Apollo 14 crew's [ http://ees5-www.lanl.gov/APOLLO/a14.crew.html ] two-wheeled Modularized Equipment Transporter (MET), fondly known as the "rickshaw". The MET was designed as an aid to surface exploration. Serving as a workbench with a place for the lunar handtools, it also carried cameras, sample containers, spare film and a Lunar Surface Penetrometer. The path outlined in the lunar soil [ http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/images/pao/AS14/10075616.htm ] leads away from Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell's Lunar landing Module, tracing the path of their first venture across the lunar landscape [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap960420.html ].
Alan B. Shepard Jr. 1923-199 …
Title Alan B. Shepard Jr. 1923-1998
Explanation On another Friday (May 5, 1961), at the dawn of the space age [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/sputnik/index.html ], NASA controllers "lit the candle" and sent Alan B. Shepard Jr. arcing into space atop a Redstone rocket [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap980404.html ]. The picture shows the pressure-suited Shepard before the launch in his cramped space capsule [ http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/images/pao/MERC_OV/10073402.htm ] dubbed "Freedom 7" [ http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/images/pao/MR3/10073523.htm ]. This historic flight [ http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/history/mercury/mr-3/mr-3.html ] - the first spaceflight by an American - made Shepard a national hero [ http://www.nasm.edu/GALLERIES/GAL114/SpaceRace/ ]. Born in East Derry, New Hampshire on November 18, 1923, Shepard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1944 and went on to train and serve as a Naval Aviator. Chosen as one of the original seven Mercury Program [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/toc.htm ] astronauts, he considered this first flight [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/ch11-4.htm ] the greatest challenge and actively sought the assignment. Shepard's accomplishments in his career as an astronaut spanned a remarkable period in human achievement and in 1972 he walked on the moon [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/ ] as commander of the Apollo 14 mission. A true pioneer and intrepid explorer, Alan Shepard died Tuesday [ http://www.nasa.gov/shepard.html ] at age 74 after a lengthy illness.
Liberty Bell 7
Title Liberty Bell 7
Explanation Today, the space capsule Liberty Bell 7 rests [ http://www.discovery.com/exp/libertybell7/libertybell7.html ] about 3 miles below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. But on July 21, 1961 [ http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/history/mercury/mr-4/mr-4.html ], astronaut Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/Apollo204/zorn/grissom.htm ] rode this tiny craft 118 miles above the Earth to become the second American in space [ http://www.nasm.edu/GALLERIES/GAL114/SpaceRace/ ]. Grissom's flight was suborbital [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/ch11-8.htm ] - like fellow Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard's [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap980724.html ] first flight - however his capsule was different, with a window, a new manual spacecraft control system, and an explosive hatch. Unfortunately, after Grissom brought Liberty Bell 7 to a successful splash down in the planned area, the hatch blew prematurely and rough seas began to flood the capsule. While Grissom was able to get out, the military recovery helicopter could not lift the waterlogged spacecraft. This dramatic picture [ http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/mirrors/images/images/pao/MR4/10073570.htm ] was taken from the helicopter shortly before Liberty Bell 7 was released and sank.
Alan Shepard At Lunar Landin …
Title Alan Shepard At Lunar Landing Research Facility
Description Alan Shepard was one of 20-some astronauts who used the Lunar Landing Research Facility and its associated Lunar Excursion Module Simulator, pictured here, to practice piloting problems they would encounter in the last 150 feet of descent to the surface of the moon. Shepard was the only one of the seven original Mercury astronauts to train with the simulator and make a lunar landing. He was also the fifth man on the moon and the nations first man in space. The facility was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 after the National Historic Preservation Act was expanded to include aerospace sites.
Date 03.30.1970
Alan Shepard in the Rendezvo …
Title Alan Shepard in the Rendezvous Docking Simulator
Description Astronaut Alan Shepard (right) was one of 14 astronauts, 8 NASA test pilots, and 2 McDonnell test pilots who took part in simulator studies. Shepard flew the simulator on November 14, 1963. A.W. Vogeley wrote: "Many of the astronauts have flown this simulator in support of the Gemini studies and they, without exception, appreciated the realism of the visual scene. The simulator has also been used in the development of pilot techniques to handle certain jet malfunctions in order that aborts could be avoided. In these situations large attitude changes are sometimes necessary and the false motion cues that were generated due to earth gravity were somewhat objectionable, however, the pilots were readily able to overlook these false motion cues in favor of the visual realism." Roy F. Brissenden noted that: "The basic Gemini control studies developed the necessary techniques and demonstrated the ability of human pilots to perform final space docking with the specified Gemini-Agena systems using only visual references. ... Results... showed that trained astronauts can effect the docking with direct acceleration control and even with jet malfunctions as long as good visual conditions exist.... Probably more important than data results was the early confidence that the astronauts themselves gained in their ability to perform the maneuver in the ultimate flight mission." Shepard commented: "I had the feeling tonight - a couple of times - that I was actually doing the space mission instead of the simulation. As I said before, I think it is a very good simulation." Shepard also commented on piloting techniques. Most astronauts arrived at this same preferred technique: Shepard: "I believe I have developed the preferred technique for these conditions and the technique appeared to me to be best was to come in slightly above the target so that I was able to use the longitudinal marks on the body of the target as a reference, particularly for a lateral translation and, of course, I used the foreshortening effect for a vertical translation, and this appeared to give me the best results. By that I mean the least number of control motions and the lowest fuel usage and the best end techniques, or the best end conditions, I should say." Engineer: "When you started to run you didn't start thrusting immediately I don't believe. It looked like you started working on your attitudes, then started closing in." Shepard: "That is correct. I did that because I felt that I wanted to get the X-axis translation in the most effective vector and for minimum fuel usage that wouldn't introduce any other lateral or vertical offsets that did not already exist.
Date 11.19.1963
Astronaut Alan Shepard durin …
Title Astronaut Alan Shepard during Apollo 14 EVA on the moon
Description Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., Apollo 14 commander, shades his eyes from the sun during the Apollo 14 extravehicular activity (EVA) on the Moon. This photograph was taken by Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot, through the window of the Lunar Module.
Date 02.05.1971
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