7. Launch Day: May 5, 1961
On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard prepared for his historic flight aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft. The countdown began on May 4, 1961, at 8:30 a.m. EST, with a built-in hold at T-6 hours 30 minutes for spacecraft preparations. The countdown resumed at 11:30 p.m. EST, with another hold at T-2 hours 20 minutes for final checks. At T-15 minutes, low clouds near the launch area threatened visibility, but forecasts predicted improvement. A technical issue with a power inverter led to an 86-minute delay. Despite these challenges, Shepard’s determination remained unwavering. At 9:34 a.m. EST, the Mercury-Redstone 3 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 5, propelling Shepard into history as the first American in space. The mission lasted 15 minutes and 22 seconds, reaching an altitude of 116.5 miles and a maximum speed of 5,134 miles per hour. Shepard’s successful flight was a significant milestone in the Space Race. (nasa.gov)
