Mercury Redstone 2Spacecraft:S/C-5 Launch Vehicle: Redstone MR-2 Launched: 31 Jan 1961 |
Prime Crew |
Description: 2nd Mercury Redstone unmanned suborbital |
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Ham 
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Backup Crew |
Minnie
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Apogee: 251 km (155 mi). Ham, a 37-pound chimpanzee, was aboard the spacecraft. The over-acceleration of the launch vehicle coupled with the velocity of the escape rocket caused the spacecraft to attain a higher altitude and a longer range than planned. In addition, the early depletion of the liquid oxygen caused a signal that separated the spacecraft from the launch vehicle a few seconds early. However spacecraft recovery was effected, although there were some leaks and the spacecraft was taking on water. Ham appeared to be in good physiological condition, but sometime later when he was shown the spacecraft it was visually apparent that he had no further interest in cooperating with the space flight program. Despite the over-acceleration factor, the flight was considered to be successful. The program insignia shown above is post factum. References:
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