Early Mercury Space Capsule Model
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:2801002 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
Early Mercury Space Capsule Model. Made by McDonnell in St. Louis for the Mercury Space Program. These models were originally made as wave pool test models, weighted at the bottom for splash down scale model tests to make sure the capsules would come to rest in "stable 1", that is upright in the ocean for easy egress by astronauts.. Circa 1960, the Mercury astronauts, former test pilots, complained they were "spam in a can, basically just ride along's, as the early Mercury design... did not have windows! The engineers at McDonnell, hearing this "dis" of their design, made their splashdown test models with several ill placed and oddly sized windows as an "in joke". Extras of these models were given to the astronauts, but proved so popular, it appears as many as a few hundred were eventually made and distributed to VIP's and members of the press. This is a chance to own an actual piece of space history. These were never for sale to the public, and outside the inner circle of the space program, few even know they exist. In perfect condition, the few that have come up for sale over the years have been worn, cracked, etc. Collector grade. Many thanks!
