Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Ham the Chimp Becomes First Hominid in Space

1/31/2026

49 12

Summary

Story summary

On January 31, 1961, NASA launched Mercury-Redstone 2, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission carried Ham, a chimpanzee, who became the first hominid in space. The suborbital flight lasted 16 minutes and 39 seconds before safely landing in the Atlantic Ocean, paving the way for future crewed missions.

1 of 1

Story summary

On January 31, 1961, NASA launched Mercury-Redstone 2, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission carried Ham, a chimpanzee, who became the first hominid in space. The suborbital flight lasted 16 minutes and 39 seconds before safely landing in the Atlantic Ocean, paving the way for future crewed missions.