1961: Mercury-Atlas 3 (NASA)

[ti994apc]

Although computers are more advanced today. Rocket hardware has gone backwards technologically since 1972. Shuttle used dangerous solid rocket fuel which should NEVER be used to lift people because it cannot be turned off once started. Also, Shuttle had no escape system. The average person does not know they only care about what it looks like.

[BigRIJoe]

Any sane person knows women and blacks are just oxygen bandits

[5ivepdx]

The voice sounds like Gene Krantz. Yes?

[amb1962]

Actually, the voice belongs to NASA Public Affairs Officer John A. "Shorty" Powers - "The Voice of Mercury".

[5ivepdx]

@amb1962 - thanks! :)

[rockyPants4000]

Amazing to see how far we've come.

This "little joe" flight experienced less speed and altitude than any average jet fighter of today goes through every day.

[don312000]

As a teacher of mine said after we watched a shuttle launch abort on TV: "At least they know that works!"

[mailmancoupe]

bring back 1948-1963 1/2!  All things were better then.

[UdallIn72]

@mailmancoupe

Especially if you were black or a woman!

[Travers54]

Bring back Project Mercury, it was the best time ever in space travel.

[hdufort]

So you miss suborbital flights?

[bassbob42]

only two were suborbital. 5 were orbital flights

[rockyPants4000]

Virgin/Rutan's White Knight 2 flights will be suborbital... and being that you can buy a ticket yourself... that's pretty exciting.