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Author
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Topic: Mercury Little Joe "Shot Put #2" Jan. 1960 cover
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randyc
Member Posts: 779
From: Chandler, AZ USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 03-20-2013 01:01 PM
   
George Goldey had covers cancelled with a cachet stating that it's for 'Mercury Little Joe Shot Put #2' dated January 18, 1960. I've looked at several references listing the Mercury development flights, including the NASA publications 'This New Ocean: A History of Project Mercury' and 'Project Mercury: A Chronology', and this flight is not listed. What is the history of this flight? Was it really part of the Mercury development program? If it was, why isn't it identified as such in NASA publications? |
stevedd841
Member Posts: 292
From: Millersville, Maryland
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 03-20-2013 06:58 PM
Randy, it was in fact the second "Shotput" rocket test of a NASA Langley test vehicle for Echo. "Shotput" was a three stage vehicle consisting of 2 x Recruit + 1 x Sergeant + 1 x Altair. Shotput Chronology, first two tests (seven tests were done in total): - 1959 October 28 - . 22:40 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: Shotput.
LV Configuration: Shotput 1. E60 Echo spacecraft test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Langley. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). - (late shot) 1960 January 16 - . 22:35 GMT - Launch Site: Wallops Island. LV Family: Sergeant. Launch Vehicle: Shotput.
LV Configuration: Shotput 2. E60 Echo spacecraft test - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Langley. Apogee: 413 km (256 mi).
It appears cover maker George Goldey was off by one day for the test in making his early space cover. That was not uncommon during these early tests. Hope this helps. See also Mark Wade's work on this.On edit: Thought I would include a scan of what the George Goldey cover looked like so everyone is on the same page.  |
randyc
Member Posts: 779
From: Chandler, AZ USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 03-20-2013 07:18 PM
So it wasn't a Mercury development program related mission, although the cachet indicates that it was. It also didn't use a Little Joe booster. |
Ross
Member Posts: 472
From: Australia
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 03-21-2013 07:43 AM
One of these covers is presently for sale on eBay (230944635738) with just over one day to go. Bidding is presently at $41. |
randyc
Member Posts: 779
From: Chandler, AZ USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 03-21-2013 12:17 PM
I'm fairly certain that the bidders believe this cover is related to the Mercury development program based on the cachet. I'm also certain that the bids would be much lower if they knew it had nothing to do with the Mercury program. I won't be surprised if it sells for more... unless all of the bidders are reading this thread. |
Ross
Member Posts: 472
From: Australia
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 03-22-2013 11:15 AM
It finally sold for $76.95 so it looks like the bidders were not looking at this thread. Knowledge is power and can save you money! |
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