On October 7th 1958, the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced Project Mercury, its first major undertaking. The objectives were threefold: to place a human spacecraft into orbital flight around Earth, observe human performance in such conditions, and recover the human and the spacecraft safely. At this early point in the U.S. space program, many questions remained. Could a human function ably as a pilot-engineer-experimenter in the harsh conditions of weightless flight? If yes, who were the right people for the challenge?
The selection procedures for Project Mercury were directed by a NASA selection committee. The committee recognized that the unusual conditions associated with spaceflight are similar to those experienced by military test pilots. In January 1959, the committee received and screened 508 service records of a group of talented test pilots, from which 110 candidates were assembled. Less than one month later, through a variety of interviews and a battery of written tests, the NASA selection committee pared down this group to 32 candidates.
Each candidate endured even more stringent physical, psychological, and mental examinations, including total body x-rays, pressure suit tests, cognitive exercises, and a series of unnerving interviews. Of the 32 candidates, 18 were recommended for Project Mercury without medical reservations. On April 1st 1959, the "Mercury Seven" astronauts were announced; Scott Carpenter, L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., John H. Glenn, Jr., Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Alan B. Shepard, Jr., and Donald K. "Deke" Slayton.
At a press conference in Washington, D.C., on April 9th 1959, NASA introduced the Mercury Seven to the public. The press and public soon adopted them as heroes, embodying the new spirit of space exploration. Each one (except Slayton, who was grounded because of a previously undiscovered heart condition, but later flew as a crew member of the Apollo Soyuz Test Project) successfully flew in Project Mercury. During the five-year life of the project, six human-tended flights and eight automated flights were completed, proving that human spaceflight was possible. These missions paved the way for the Gemini and Apollo programs as well as for all further human spaceflight.

An "authentic event photo" of the launch of Mercury 6 and John Glenn on America's first orbital spaceflight. Features the original and official USPS issue Project Mercury postal stamp. Cancelled on the 20th February 1987; 25th anniversary at Cape Canaveral and with a special 25th anniversary "First U.S. Manned Orbital Flight" stamp. Cancelled again at the Kennedy Space Center on the 29th October 1998 when John Glenn returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-95 with a special commemorative stamp. Worn condition with minor creases.

An official NASA medal/medallion issued in 2002 celebrating the 40th anniversary of America In Orbit. Measures 38mm diameter and features a Mercury capsule in Earth orbit over the United States with the inscription "40th Anniversary Of America In Orbit - 1962-2002". This medal has been minted with metal from the Mercury Atlas Launch Pad 14 and in traditional NASA style carries its declaration of authenticy on the reverse; "Commemorating the 40th anniversary of Americans in orbit, this medallion contains metal from Mercury / Atlas launch pad 14 - Glenn-Carpenter-Schirra-Cooper". An excellent collectible. Not mint condition with some minor surface scratches which is to be expected. Only one available. Supplied mounted in a red felt card within a plastic storage case.

Produced by The Spaceflori Corporation, this unique and limited edition presentation contains an actual piece of a Mercury Aurora 7 Flown Survival Gear Retaining Lanyard mounted to high quality photographic 8" x 10" print. Each print is numbered and accompanied by a matching numbered certificate of authenticity and fact sheet. A highly desirable and top quality presentation with your own piece of historic space flown hardware attached. Ready to frame and display in any discerning collection.

Presentation package includes....

Produced by The Spaceflori Corporation, this unique and limited edition presentation contains an actual piece of Mercury Faith 7 Flown Heatshield mounted to high quality photographic 8" x 10" print. Each print is numbered and accompanied by a matching numbered certificate of authenticity and fact sheet. A highly desirable and top quality presentation with your own piece of historic space flown hardware attached. Ready to frame and display in any discerning collection.

Presentation package includes....