Embedded Files
This Mercury capsule is the one of only two left showing the complete one-man spacecraft in its orbital configuration. The first American in space, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., hoped to fly this Mercury capsule on an orbital mission called Mercury-Atlas 10 (MA-10). After the success of MA-9, NASA decided to cancel MA-10 to concentrate on its next project, Gemini. The objective of the Mercury missions included placing a man in earth orbit and investigating human performance capabilities in space.
Spacecraft location in the Museum
Spacecraft location in the Museum
The Mercury Capsule #15B Freedom 7 II is in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar. More details about the capsule are located on its label which is on the main floor in the Space Hangar.
Additional information
Additional information
Did this Mercury capsule ever travel to into orbit?
No, this capsule was for the MA-10 orbital mission, to be flown by Alan B. Shepard. NASA canceled the MA-10 mission after the success of MA-9.
Mercury Capsule Freedom 7 II Logo
Alan B. Shepard, Jr., hoped to fly this Mercury capsule on orbital mission MA-10, which was later cancelled. Shepard had the name Freedom 7 II painted on the spacecraft.
Who was Alan B. Shepard and what is the name Freedom 7 II in reference to?
Alan B. Shepard was the first American in space. He had the name Freedom 7 II, in tribute to his historic 1961 capsule, Freedom 7, painted on the spacecraft.
Mercury Capsule Nose
The Mercury Capsule 15B includes the nose section containing the parachutes for the capsule’s return to Earth.
Mercury Capsule Retrorocket
The Mercury Capsule 15B includes the silver and black retrorocket package used to slow the capsule for return to Earth.
Page updated
Report abuse