may 5, 1961 - First American in Space
Description:
On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space in a mission known as Freedom 7. The Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft brought Shepard to an altitude of 116 miles for a flight that was 15 minutes long. Televised for millions of people to watch, the flight was a success. President Kennedy later awarded Alan Shepard the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Interestingly enough, this was not the only space-related feat to be accomplished by Shepard. About 10 years later in 1971, Alan went to the moon and famously hit two golf balls.Added to timeline:
Date:
may 5, 1961
Now
~ 64 years ago