Extremely rare large flown shingle fragment from the Mercury-Atlas 1 space capsule. The ribbed exterior panel measures approximately 15.75˝ x 16.5˝, and features a portion of the white painted “S” from the ‘United States’ lettering on side of the capsule. This shingle is impressively displayed in a custom-made acrylic case, measuring 18˝ x 20˝ x 7.5˝, with a scale model of John Glenn’s MA-6 ‘Friendship 7’ capsule displayed in the rear. In expected, worn condition, with curling and wear to the panel’s edges from its fiery reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Less than a minute after the launch of the unmanned Mercury-Atlas 1 on July 29, 1960, both its rocket and capsule sank into the Atlantic ocean following a structural failure in the craft’s Atlas rocket. Successful recovery of the capsule and portions of the rocket showed that the vent valve and a still-attached segment of piping had noticeable fatigue cracks, leading engineers to conclude that reinforced skin structure and shallower launch trajectories need be implemented for future Mercury-Atlas launches. The capsule, including this piece, reached an apogee of 8.7 miles and flew almost six miles down range. The artifact’s wear and deformation captures the violence of both a high-velocity airborne breakup and the craft’s subsequent impact with the open ocean. A uniquely impressive display piece.
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