6043

Mercury-Atlas 1 Space Capsule Fragment

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Mercury-Atlas 1 Space Capsule Fragment

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Auction Date:2016 Apr 21 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Rare flown panel fragment from the Mercury-Atlas 1 space capsule. The ribbed exterior panel measures approximately 21.25 x 19.75. In expected condition. Less than a minute after the launch of Mercury-Atlas 1, both its rocket and capsule sank into the Atlantic ocean following a structural failure in the craft’s Atlas rocket on July 29, 1960. 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 deformation captures the violence of both a high-velocity airborne breakup and the craft’s subsequent impact with open ocean. A uniquely impressive display piece. Oversized.