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Today in History: Project Mercury Stamp Honors Colonel John Glenn's Flight

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth during the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, a significant milestone in the Space Race. To commemorate this achievement, a postage stamp designed by Charles R. Chickering was released, celebrating the success of Project Mercury and Glenn's historic flight.

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Story summary

On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth during the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, a significant milestone in the Space Race. To commemorate this achievement, a postage stamp designed by Charles R. Chickering was released, celebrating the success of Project Mercury and Glenn's historic flight.