CUT THE RIBBON, THE MERCURY SEVEN

Posted on April 8, 2013 by admin

Mercury Seven was the group of seven astronauts selected by NASA in 1959. The agency viewed the project as an experiment to determine whether humans could survive space travel. The seven men immediately cut the ribbon, becoming national heroes compared by civilians to Columbus or Magellanus. The Mercury Seven in fact embodyied the new spirit of space exploration, determining the orbit around the Earth and investigating on man’s ability to function in space.The space flight was a totally new experience for pilots, scientists and doctors. No one knew if a person flying in the weightlessness of space could accurately read a dial, if they could push the right button or lever. Because of the small space inside the Mercury spacecraft, candidates could be no taller than 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weigh no more than 180 pounds (82 kg). Other requirements included an age under 40, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 1,500 hours of flying time, and qualification to fly jets. NASA chose what were considered superb physical specimen with a genius-level IQ and the ability to function well both as part of a team and solo. The Mercury Seven, selected by the space administration also carried America’s hopes into space against the Soviet Union and what at the time was the beginning of Cold War…

 

“…Came Forth and Once More Saw the Stars”.