On April 9, 1959, NASA introduced the Mercury Seven astronauts to the world, marking a pivotal moment in American space exploration history. Among these distinguished individuals was Hudson Chad Schirra, later known as Wally Schirra. This article delves into the early days of Project Mercury and the selection of Schirra as one of the pioneering astronauts.
The Mercury Seven astronauts. Wally Schirra is second from the left.
The Genesis of Project Mercury
The Research Steering Committee on Manned Space Flight, led by Harry J. Goett of the Ames Research Center, was established to aid NASA in its long-term planning and basic research concerning human spaceflight. This committee, first convening on May 25, focused on NASA's overarching objectives, particularly a flight program succeeding Project Mercury. The seven Project Mercury astronauts reported for duty, and their training program commenced immediately. Within three months, the astronauts became familiar with various aspects of the Mercury program.
Selection of the Mercury Seven
NASA finalized the selection of seven men as astronauts for Project Mercury. Initially planning to select only six men, the Space Task Group (STG) reviewed 508 records and identified 110 candidates meeting the minimum standards. The STG interviewed 69, invited 32 to undergo tests, and subsequently narrowed the number down to 18. The seven Project Mercury astronauts reported for duty, and their training program commenced immediately. Within three months, the astronauts became familiar with various facets of the Mercury program.
Project Mercury selection process
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Project Mercury's Infrastructure
At the same meeting where the astronauts were introduced, prospective bidders from 20 companies were briefed on constructing the worldwide tracking range for Project Mercury. The preliminary plan envisioned an orbital mission tracking network comprising 14 sites. Except for Bermuda, no contacts had been established with the governments of any proposed locations. All sites would feature facilities for telemetry, voice communications with the pilot, and teletype (wire or radio) communications with centers in the United States for primary tracking.
Early Planning and Support
Following the initial meeting with contractors, plans were formulated for the Project Mercury animal payload program, involving monkeys in nine flights across four different rocket launch vehicles (Little Joe, Redstone, Jupiter, and Atlas). The Navy Chief of Naval Operations directed the Atlantic Fleet to support Project Mercury's recovery operations. NASA's STG conducted the second full-scale beach abort test on Wallops Island. After a deliberate thrust misalignment of 1 inch (25 mm) was programmed into the escape combination, the test was fully successful. Two further tests were conducted the next day. The U.S. Navy provided the "human centrifuge" at the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory (AMAL) at Johnsville, Pennsylvania, for the Mercury program.
NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan introduced the Mercury Seven astronauts at a press conference in Washington, D.C. By rank, they were Lt. Col. John Glenn, Lieutenant Commanders Wally Schirra and Alan Shepard, Air Force Captains Gordon Cooper, Gus Grissom and Deke Slayton, and Navy Lt.
The Mercury Seven astronauts reported for duty and their training program was undertaken immediately. Actual training began the next day. Within 3 months the astronauts were acquainted with the various facets of the Mercury program.
Significant Events During the Era
The introduction of the Mercury Seven occurred amidst other notable events:
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- President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced the first American commitment to keeping South Vietnam as a separate, non-Communist nation.
- The "escudo" was created as the new currency of Chile, replacing the old pesos due to runaway inflation.
- The National Safety Council first warned parents about the risk of suffocation posed by plastic bags.
- Oklahoma repealed its constitutional prohibition on the sale of alcohol.
- Israel created the first Holocaust Memorial Day.
Table: Key Figures of Project Mercury
| Name | Rank | Role |
|---|---|---|
| John Glenn | Lt. Col. | Astronaut |
| Wally Schirra | Lieutenant Commander | Astronaut |
| Alan Shepard | Lieutenant Commander | Astronaut |
| Gordon Cooper | Air Force Captain | Astronaut |
| Gus Grissom | Air Force Captain | Astronaut |
| Deke Slayton | Air Force Captain | Astronaut |
ASTRONAUT SCHIRRA - SOUND
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