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Topic: Photo of the week 895 (December 18, 2021)
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heng44 Member Posts: 3543 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 12-17-2021 01:52 PM
'Big Joe' is prepared for launch by Atlas 10D at Cape Canaveral in September 1959. This was a boilerplate Mercury spacecraft to test performance of the heat shield and determine flight dynamics of the spacecraft during reentry. The spacecraft was picked up by the recovery force about 8 hours after lift-off. Because of the success of this flight, a similar launch was considered unnecessary and accordingly was canceled. |
oly Member Posts: 1324 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 12-17-2021 06:38 PM
A great image of a milestone flight, and a great shot of the launch facility. Thank you Ed for sharing another great image. |
ejectr Member Posts: 1871 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 12-17-2021 07:46 PM
Back in 1962/63, I had a Revell model of the Atlas launch complex with the Atlas topped by Friendship 7 and its escape tower. I remember painting and building all that piping etc. Great memories... |
spaceheaded Member Posts: 162 From: MD Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 12-18-2021 06:49 AM
Wonderful pic; so much to look at and ponder!As another year draws to a close, I am reminded to thank you Ed for posting these photos. I look forward to them... probably not consciously, but I'd bet a lot of us have that same feeling when we log in and see a new posting from you on this thread! |
micropooz Member Posts: 1606 From: Washington, DC, USA Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 12-18-2021 01:45 PM
quote: Originally posted by ejectr: Back in 1962/63, I had a Revell model...
Man, I had the same flashback to the Revell model kit that you had! Big Joe resides at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center now. |