MA-1 (8)

Mercury-Atlas 1

Pad LC-14 ()

Atlas (1)

Crew:

Unmanned

Milestones:

Payload:

Spacecraft No. 4, Launch Vehicle 50-D

Mission Objective:

Qualify Spacecraft and Atlas combination. The specific test objectives were, 1.Recover the capsule, 2. Determine the structural integrity of the Mercury capsule structure and afterbody shingles under the maximum heating conditions which could be encountered from an orbital launching. 3.Determine Mercury capsule afterbody heating rates during reentry (for this purpose 51 thermocouples were installed). 4.Determine the flight dynamic characteristics of the Mercury capsule during reentry. 5.Determine the adequacy of the Mercury capsule recovery systems. 6.Familiarize Project Mercury operating personnel with launch and recovery operations.

Launch:

July 29, 1960

Orbit:

Altitude: 8.1 statute miles

Orbits: 0

Duration: Days, hours, min, seconds

Distance: 6 statute miles

Velocity: 1,701 mph

Landing:

Mission Highlights:

Mission listed as a failure

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