Embedded Files
The will be the fourth orbital mission of the Mercury-Atlas program. It will utilize the standard ascent sequence and mission plan. The sequence will start at T-3 with main engine ignition. After the engines are confirmed to be running at nominal thrust levels the vehicle will be released from the pad at T-0, from there the vertical ascent sequence begins. Once the vehicle reaches the nominal altitude the pitch maneuver will begin to create the correct trajectory. During the ascent the two side mounted engines, referred to as the "half stage" will run out of fuel and be jettisoned. From there the ascent will continue nominally until MECO, or main engine cutoff. At that point the vehicle will be in a stable, mostly circular orbit and it will be jettisoned. The capsule will then remain in orbit until it is time to return. At which time the triple engine retro pack will begin the return burn, each engine burning for 10 seconds igniting 5 seconds apart. The capsule will then enter the atmosphere once again and come down on parachutes, touching down on the surface where it will be recovered.
We have liftoff, the ascent sequence of Mercury-Atlas 5 is underway
Initial ascent complete, the pitch maneuver to create the correct trajectory has initiated
Half stage cutoff occurs, and the stage is jettisoned
Vehicle approaches main engine cutoff
Mercury reaches a stable orbit, and the booster is jettisoned
The retro sequence is underway, the capsule makes preparations for the return
Mercury enters the atmosphere, afterwords the parachute led the capsule to a safe splashdown and recovery
Mission Summary
Mission Summary
Mission Outcome: Success
Mission Time: 3 hours 32 minutes 50 seconds
Apogee: 84,786 meters
Perigee: 81,163 meters
Highest Alt: 83,652 meters
Highest Speed: 2,081 meters per second
Most G-Force: 6.5G
Report abuse