Astronomy Picture of the Day · May 5, 2001

Shepard Flies Freedom 7

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 5, 2001 is “Shepard Flies Freedom 7,” an image. It is credited to Credit: Project Mercury , NASA. The original explanation runs about 179 words.

From the explanation

“Forty years ago today ( May 5, 1961 ), at the dawn of the space age , NASA controllers “lit the candle” and sent Alan Shepard arcing into space atop a Redstone rocket . The picture shows the pressure-suited Shepard before launch in his cramped space capsule dubbed “Freedom 7” .”

— APOD editors, May 5, 2001

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: May 5, 2001
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Project Mercury , NASA
Copyright: No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 179 words

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, May 5, 2001 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2001-may-5-shepard-flies-freedom-7

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.