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Today in History: Alan Shepard completes historic sub-orbital spaceflight

5/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On May 5, 1961, American astronaut Alan Shepard piloted Freedom 7, marking the first crewed flight of Project Mercury. This historic mission lasted 15 minutes and was a sub-orbital flight, demonstrating Shepard's ability to endure the high g-forces of launch and atmospheric re-entry. Shepard became the second person and the first American in space.

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Story summary

On May 5, 1961, American astronaut Alan Shepard piloted Freedom 7, marking the first crewed flight of Project Mercury. This historic mission lasted 15 minutes and was a sub-orbital flight, demonstrating Shepard's ability to endure the high g-forces of launch and atmospheric re-entry. Shepard became the second person and the first American in space.