[amsat-bb] Re: Alan Shepard, First American in Space

[Mani VU2WMY]

Dear friends
It's indeed a great achievement. No doubt, Alan Shepard's flight 50  
years ago have paved the way for what United States is today in the  
area of manned missions. His contribution has not only helped the US,  
but the World as a whole in exploring the frontiers of space for the  
development of mankind on the Earth.
On this great day, we salute and pay our tributes to this 'Great Soul'  
for his unparalleled contribution. We in India, join everyone in the  
United States and else where, in expressing our greetings and good  
wishes on this historic occasion.

73 de

Mani, VU2WMY
Secretary & Station-In-Charge
Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC
ISRO Satellite Centre
HAL Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017.
Phone:(O)91-80-25082054/2598/2192
Mobile:  91-80-98803 41456
E-mail ID: wmy at isac.gov.in
            vu2wmy_mani at yahoo.com
            isrohams at yahoo.com

Quoting John Papay <john at papays.com>:

> Tomorrow, May 5th, we as Americans will celebrate the
> Anniversary of Alan Shepard's flight into space 50 years
> ago.  Alan flew in a Mercury capsule on top of a Redstone
> Rocket.  His recovery at sea was viewed by millions on
> live television.  Alan could have been the first human to fly
> in space, however, delays postponed what was to be an October,
> 1960 launch.  Safety was the concern back then as it is today.
> Alan actually had some control over the Mercury capsule including
> it's attitude.  His flight was not on autopilot.  He was very
> concerned about making a mistake as he knew everyone was depending
> on him.  His flight was a great success and a tribute to all those
> who came before him, some giving their lives as test pilots.  The
> success could not have been possible if it were not for all those
> who were involved in the design, manufacturing and assembly,
> and all things necessary to launch a spacecraft. All were American
> Patriots.
>
> I was just 15 years old in 1961 and had been licensed as a Novice
> for 3 months.  My father worked at NASA Lewis so we were very much
> aware of the tremendous effort being made to put a man in Space.
> The years that came after saw the United States fly mission after
> mission culminating with a lunar landing.  Alan Shepard would later
> command Apollo 14 and pilot the lunar lander onto the surface of the
> moon.  Alan Shepard (1923-1998) is an American Hero.
>
> Alan Shepard, the first American in Space, May 5th, 1961.  Tell your
> kids and grandkids about him.
>
> 73,
> John K8YSE
>
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