Mission Summary: Mercury-Redstone 8 aims to go farther and higher than before. As usual the mission profile will go as follows. When the countdown reaches T-3 seconds the engine will ignite and go up to full thrust, once the countdown reaches T-0, the vehicle will be released, and it will begin the ascent sequence. As the vehicle gains speed and altitude, it will slowly begin to pitch over to obtain the proper trajectory. Once the vehicle reaches 10 kilometers (10,000 meters) there will be a go no-go poll. If it is believed the vehicle is still capable of reaching the proper trajectory, the launch escape tower win he jettisoned and the ascent will continue as planned. If it is believed that the vehicle is not capable of reaching the proper trajectory, the abort sequence will be activated and the capsule with splash down safely. After the go no-go poll, the ascent sequence will continue until the engine runs out of propellant. After engine cutoff, the stage will jettisoned, and the capsule will continue on the trajectory. Once the capsule reaches the highest point in the trajectory it will re-orient and activate the retro pack, a small cluster of boosters designed to slow the vehicle's trajectory to facilitate a safe entry into the atmosphere. After the engines have burned out the vehicle will then enter the atmosphere, afterwards the parachutes will lead the capsule to a safe return.
Liftoff confirmed from the launchpad.
Ascent sequence continues nominally.
Vehicle coasts through the suborbital portion of the flight and prepares for the retro sequence.
Capsule engages the retro sequence, slowing the trajectory for a smoother entry.
Entry sequence proceeds nominally.
After entry is completed, the parachute deploys and the vehicle coasts down for a soft (relatively) splashdown.
Mission Outcome: Success
Mission Time: Data missing
Highest Alt: 125,069 meters
Highest Speed: 1,732 meters per second
Most G-Force: 6.7G