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American Human SpaceflightAmerican Human Spaceflight

Early Missions - Mercury & Gemini

Lunar Missions

Space Stations Space Shuttle Future Missions

Reference Information

Apollo-Soyuz Test Project(ASTP)

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Mercury - Mercury - 1958 to 19631958 to 1963The idea of human spaceflight has been in the mind of humans throughout recorded history. By the late 1950s, technology had developed to the level ideas could be transformed into hardware to achieve human spaceflight.

In 1959, NASA asked the U.S.A. military services to list members who met specific qualifications. The search was underway for pilots for the new manned spaceflight program. The first seven NASA Astronauts for Project Mercury were announced on April 9, 1959. Front row - left to right - Walter Schirra, Donald Slayton, John Glenn, and Scott Carpenter.Back row - Alan Shepard, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, and Gordon Cooper.

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On January 31, 1961, a 44-month old chimpanzee, named Ham, was the first higher primate launched into outer space. Ham is shown trying out his combination couch and life support system on January 28, 1961 in preparation for his flight.

Ham was secured in a Mercury capsule atop the Mercury Redstone-2 (MR-2) rocket and launched from Cape Canaveral, FL. During the flight, Ham successfully pushed a lever within five seconds after seeing a flashing blue light. Failure resulted in negative reinforcement in the form of an electric shock to the soles of his feet. He landed 422 miles downrange after a 16.5 minute flight. Ham's capsule landed in the Atlantic Ocean and was recovered by a rescue ship. After the flight Ham lived for 17 years in the National Zoo in Washington D.C., then at the North Carolina Zoo before dying at the age of 27 on January 19, 1983.

The MR-2 flight was one in a series of flights leading to the manned orbital flights of the Mercury program.

Mercury Chimp “Ham” Prepares for Test FlightMercury Chimp “Ham” Prepares for Test Flight

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Mercury

Project Mercury put the first Americans into space.

Astronaut Alan Shepard was the first American in space during his sub-orbital flight on May 5, 1961 aboard Freedom 7. The Mercury – Redstone 3 rocket was launched from Pad LC-5 at Cape Canaveral, FL.

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Mercury

Astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth on February 20, 1962 aboard Friendship 7 launched by the Mercury - Atlas 6 rocket from Pad LC-14 at Cape Canaveral, FL.

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Project Gemini was an intermediate step between Mercury and Apollo developing technologies needed for lunar exploration.

Gemini-Titan 4 lift-off from Cape Canaveral, FL carried James McDivitt and Ed White for a four-day mission on June 3, 1965. This flight included the first space-walk by an American astronaut, accomplished by Ed White.

Gemini - 1962 to1966

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GeminiOn June 3, 1965, Edward White became the first American to step outside his Gemini 4 spacecraft.

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GeminiOn December 15, 1965, Walter Schirra and On December 15, 1965, Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford on Gemini 6 and Frank Borman Thomas Stafford on Gemini 6 and Frank Borman and James Lovell on Gemini 7 accomplished the and James Lovell on Gemini 7 accomplished the first space rendezvous. Gemini 6 views Gemini 7. first space rendezvous. Gemini 6 views Gemini 7.

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GeminiGemini 11 command pilot Charles Conrad climbs from the spacecraft hatch minutes after splashdown on September 9, 1966. Pilot Richard Gordon still has his hatch closed. U.S. Navy frogman team attached a flotation collar to the spacecraft.

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Apollo - 1963 to 1972

The purpose of the Apollo Program was to land men on the lunar surface and to return them safely to Earth. Six missions landed on the surface of the moon; three others orbited the moon without landing, including the ill-fated Apollo 13.

The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin Aldrin on July 16, 1969, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, FL. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon.

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Apollo

Apollo 16 Lunar Module (LM) pilot Charles Duke photographed this Descartes Highlands landing site on April 21, 1972. Commander John Young is to the right of the LM and directly behind the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Thomas Mattingly remained with the Command and Service Module (CSM) in lunar orbit.

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The Apollo 16 CSM approached the LM on April 23, 1972 for their final rendezvous. Aboard the LM, John Young and Charles Duke returned to the CSM in lunar orbit after three successful days on the lunar surface. Thomas Mattingly piloted the CSM.

Apollo

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Apollo

The photograph of the Earth rising over the Moon's horizon was taken from the Apollo 11 CSM in July 1969.

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ASTP was the first human spaceflight mission conducted jointly by two nations. This led to future cooperative missions. Soyuz was launched prior to the American Apollo launch on the same day. The two spacecrafts docked on July 17, 1975 and joint operations were conducted for two full days. The docking module served as an airlock and transfer corridor between the two spacecrafts.

Astronaut Donald Slayton and cosmonaut Aleksey Leonov are shown in Soyuz.

Apollo Command and Service Module

Docking Module

Soyuz

Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) - 1975

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Skylab- 1973 to 1974

Skylab, the first American space station, was adapted from the third stage of an Apollo Saturn V rocket and launched into orbit on May 14, 1973. Three successive crews of three astronauts each occupied Skylab. The longest mission, ending on February 8, 1974, lasted almost three months.

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Skylab

Skylab 3 astronaut Jack Lousma takes a shower in the crew quarters of the Orbital Workshop (OWS) on July 1, 1973. Skylab 4 astronauts Gerald Carr (right) and William Pogue are shown in the OWS on February 1, 1974.

17Shuttle / MIR - 1994 to 1998

Seven American astronauts spent nearly 1000 days living in orbit with cosmonauts on the Russian space station Mir. American shuttles rendezvoused ten times with Mir. The Shuttle-Mir Program prepared the way for the International Space Station and began an era of cooperation and exploration. Soyuz cosmonauts took the photograph during a fly-around on July 4, 1995.

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International Space Station (ISS) - 1998 to present

In 1998, the first two ISS modules were In 1998, the first two ISS modules were launched and joined in orbit. Other launched and joined in orbit. Other components soon followed and the components soon followed and the first crew arrived in 2000. first crew arrived in 2000.

A crewmember onboard the Soyuz A crewmember onboard the Soyuz TMA-20 photographed the ISS and the TMA-20 photographed the ISS and the docked space shuttle Endeavour after docked space shuttle Endeavour after the two spacecrafts undocked May 23, the two spacecrafts undocked May 23, 2011.2011.

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Space Shuttle - Space Shuttle - 1981 to 20111981 to 2011The space shuttle orbiters were The space shuttle orbiters were the first spacecraft capable of the first spacecraft capable of routinely launching into orbit routinely launching into orbit like rockets and then returning like rockets and then returning to Earth as gliders. The orbiters to Earth as gliders. The orbiters were part of the Space were part of the Space Transportation System used for Transportation System used for scientific research and space scientific research and space applications. The space shuttle applications. The space shuttle was retired in July 2011 after was retired in July 2011 after Atlantis delivered Atlantis delivered 8,000 lbs of 8,000 lbs of supplies and spare parts to the supplies and spare parts to the International Space StationInternational Space Station..

The first shuttle, Columbia, The first shuttle, Columbia, STS-1, is shown being launched STS-1, is shown being launched April 12, 1981 from Pad 39A at April 12, 1981 from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, FL Kennedy Space Center, FL carrying astronauts John Young carrying astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen. The Earth and Robert Crippen. The Earth orbital mission lasted 54 hours orbital mission lasted 54 hours and ended with an un-powered and ended with an un-powered landing at Edwards Air Force landing at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.Base, CA.

Palapa B-2 and Westar VI Satellite Retrieval Mission

The Palapa B-2 and Westar VI satellites failed to achieve proper orbits during the STS-41B mission in February, 1984. STS-51A Astronaut Dale Gardner is shown approaching the Westar VI in November 1984 and preparing to capture the 1200 lb satellite using a “stinger” docking device. He is propelled by the Manned Maneuvering Unit, a robotic backpack with its own thrusters and controls. The Challenger remote manipulator arm end effector (to the right of Gardner) later grappled the satellite and moved it to Challenger. Astronaut Joe Allen retrieved Palapa B-2 two days earlier. After Palapa B-2 and Westar VI were returned to Earth by Challenger, they were refurbished, relaunched and successfully operated as communications satellites.

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Hubble Space Telescope Launch and Deployment Mission

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was launched on the Space Shuttle Discovery STS-31 mission on April 24, 1990. The IMAX Cargo Bay Camera shows the telescope at the moment of release by the Discovery remote manipulator arm on April 29.

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Hubble Space Telescope First Repair Mission

After the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) deployment, scientists realized the primary mirror had a flaw resulting in an inability to focus the light. Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) was developed by Ball Aerospace as an effective means of countering the effects of the flawed shape of the mirror.

On December 8, 1993, STS-061, Space Shuttle Endeavour, Astronaut Kathryn C. Thornton lifts the COSTAR prior to its installation on the HST. Thornton is anchored to a foot restraint on the end of the Endeavor robotic arm. Astronaut Thomas D. Akers, assisting in the COSTAR installation, is at the lower left.

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Many of the International Space Station (ISS) large components were transported into space by the space shuttle. In 1998, construction of the ISS was just getting under way. The first shuttle to visit the space station was Endeavour, which launched on STS-88 mission on December 4, 1998 and carried the first American module, the Unity node, to the station. Unity was connected to the first space station segment, the Russian Zarya module, which Russia had launched less than a month before on a Russian Proton rocket.

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First Space Shuttle Visit to the International Space Station

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Endeavour Transports AMS-2 to the ISSEndeavour Transports AMS-2 to the ISS

On May 18, 2011, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS-2) was grasped by the space shuttle Endeavour’s robotic arm prior to being installed on the station's starboard truss. The AMS-2 is used in the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for antimatter and dark matter while performing precision measurements of cosmic rays composition and flux.

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Human Space Exploration - Future

Concept Credit: Lockheed Martin

NASA is beginning a new era in space exploration focusing on sending astronauts to an asteroid and eventually to Mars. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 requires the following minimum capabilities:- The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (M-PCV) must be able to serve as the primary crew vehicle for missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). -- The vehicle must be able to conduct regular in-space operations such as rendezvous, docking and extravehicular activity, in conjunction with payloads delivered by the Space Launch System or other vehicles in preparation for missions beyond LEO.-- The vehicle must provide an alternative means of crew and cargo transportation to and from the International Space Station, in the event other vehicles, whether commercial or partner-supplied, are unable to perform that function.-- The vehicle must have the capability for efficient and timely evolution.

The image shows a lunar flyby mission. This could be the first of Orion’s many planned journeys into deep space and will allow the preliminary testing of its operational capabilities outside of low Earth orbit.

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Crew Exploration Vehicle ConfigurationLaunch Abort System (LAS) The LAS propels the CM to safety in the event of an emergency during launch or the climb to orbit. It protects the crew module from dangerous atmospheric loads and heating then jettisons after it is through the initial mission phase of ascent to orbit.Crew Module (CM) The CM is the transportation capsule that provides a safe habitat for the crew, storage for consumables and research instruments, and serves as the docking port for crew transfer. It is the only part of Orion that returns to Earth.Service Module (SM) The SM supports the CM from launch through separation prior to reentry. - It provides propulsion capability for orbital transfer, attitude control, and high altitude ascent aborts. - The SM provides all the CM consumables needed to maintain a habitable environment. - It transports unpressurized cargo and scientific payloads.Spacecraft Adapter Its shroud encapsulates the SM and provides the structural transition to the launch vehicle. The shroud is jettisoned.

Launch Abort System

Crew Module

Service Module

Spacecraft Adapter

Crew Vehicle Mission Phases

Launch Launch Abort System Jettison

Mission Operations Re-entry Landing/Recovery

Preparation for Leaving Earth Orbit

Credit: NASA and Lockheed Martin

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Space Launch SystemNASA will develop an advanced heavy-lift launch vehicle that will provide an entirely new national capability for human exploration beyond Earth's orbit. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 requires the following minimum capabilities:- The Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle must be able to initially lift 154,000 - 220,000 lbs (70 - 100 metric-tons) to low Earth orbit, and must be evolvable to 286,000 lbs (130 metric-tons) or more. - The vehicle must be able to lift an Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. - The vehicle must be capable of serving as a backup system for supplying and supporting cargo and crew delivery requirements for the International Space Station in the event such requirements are not met by available commercial or partner-supplied vehicles.- The SLS rocket incorporates technological investments from the Space Shuttle and Constellation Programs in order to take advantage of proven hardware and cutting-edge tooling and manufacturing technology.-- The SLS initial lift version is shown launching the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.

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Mission - Near Earth Asteroid Minimum CapabilityAsteroids have gained significant attention recently especially with President Obama’s announcement in April 2010 that a human mission to an asteroid no later than 2025 would be one of NASA’s new exploration goals. Near Earth Asteroids (NEA) come close enough to Earth that the proximity of some NEAs makes them ideal destinations for human exploration missions.- An asteroid mission would have many benefits including: -- Astronauts could explore asteroids bringing back samples to learn about the formation and evolution of the solar system. -- Improve the understanding of the threat to Earth from asteroid impacts developing the practical knowledge needed to protect Earth and test this capability. -- The feasibility of harnessing asteroid resources could be assessed. - Progressively, more challenging asteroid missions could provide an opportunity to incrementally develop the expertise needed for long missions in deep space without the leap in cost, complexity, duration, distance, and radiation exposure required for missions to Mars.

Concept Credit: Lockheed Martin

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Potential Mission - Martian Moon Deimos A Deimos mission is an achievable goal that will set the stage for a future Mars landing, avoiding the expense and difficulty of developing the significant technological advancements. The mission provides important scientific and exploration value despite not landing on the surface. - Deimos is a far better vantage point to explore Mars than being on the surface. -- Astronauts stationed on Deimos can explore more Martian sites using robots operated via tele-operation. - Exploration of Deimos can reveal clues about how the Mars system came to be in its current state. -- The origin of Deimos is a great mystery in the planetary science community.--- The moon’s irregular shape, porous composition, and low albedo (i.e., less reflective) is comparable to C- and D-type asteroids, but the nearly circular orbit and negligible inclination are unexpected for a captured object.

Concept Credit: Lockheed Martin

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American Human Spaceflight - Reference InformationSheet 1 of 2

Manned Maneuvering Unit Post Mission Summary Report STS 51A; Martin Marietta; February 1985 - technical report summarizing the MMU STS 51A missionStepping Stones: Exploring a Series of Increasingly Challenging Destinations on the Way to Mars; Lockheed Martin, Denver, CO - Orion missions are discussedRed Rocks Report, Caley Buxton; Lockheed Martin, Denver, CO - includes detailed discussion of Orion Mars missions

Images and Text:http://grin.hq.nasa.gov/index.htmlhttp://spaceflight.nasa.gov/http://history.nasa.gov/http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/astp/AST-5-298.jpghttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apollo-Soyuz-Test-Program-artist-rendering.jpghttp://images.jsc.nasa.gov/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/1990_s31_IMAX_view_of_HST_release.jpg

Text and Additional Information:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ham_the_Chimphttp://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/complete.htmhttp://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/history/mercury/mercury-overview.htm http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/history/gemini/gemini-overview.htmhttp://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/apollo/

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Text and Additional Information (Continued):http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/history/skylab/skylab.htmhttp://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/complete.htm#shuttlemirhttp://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/complete.htm#shuttlehttp://www.space.com/11296-memorable-space-shuttle-missions.htmlhttp://www.ams02.org/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/index.html http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/510449main_SLS_MPCV_90-day_Report.pdf http://www.nasa.gov/http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/509820main_Human_Space_Exploration_Framework_Summary-2010-01-11.pdfhttp://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1111/10orioneft1/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion_(spacecraft)

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American Human Spaceflight - Reference InformationSheet 2 of 2

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Human Space ExplorationConduct a routine cadence of missions to solar system destinations including the Moon and near Earth asteroids with the Mars’ surface as a horizon destination for human exploration. The objective is a capability-driven approach to human exploration rather than one based on a specific destination and schedule. - Establish missions defined by multiple possible destinations. -- Define design reference missions (DRMs) to determine required functions and capabilities. - Utilize common elements across all of the DRMs. -- Size element functionality and performance to support the missions. -- The common element and DRM analyses are still in work, but appear feasible. - Assess key contingencies and abort scenarios to determine and allocate any additional key element(s) capabilities. -- Iterate element sizing and functionality to ensure key contingency and abort scenarios are addressed. - Establish the key driving requirements for the common elements. -- Determine the technology needs for each element. - Identify the key decision points for the element/capability phasing. -- Define the decision trees/paths for the transportation architecture and destination architecture. - Assess the various manifest scenarios for costing and other constraint analysis. -- Select various strategies for the acquisition approach and affordability. - Actively seek international and commercial involvement where possible.

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Crew VehicleAn unmanned, two orbit, Orion test flight in early 2014 was announced in November 2011. The flight would test Orion’s orbital ability and re-entry capabilities.- The capsule will dive into Earth's atmosphere at more than 20,000 mph, giving engineers key data on how the spacecraft responds to a re-entry at speeds closely replicating what the vehicle will see when returning from deep space missions.- A United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy will be used to launch the spacecraft.

The manned crew module (CM) will hold 6 crew members for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions and 4 for beyond LEO missions. A maximum of 3 astronauts flew in the smaller Apollo and 7 in the larger space shuttle. The CM has a 32.5° conical shape similar to the Apollo Command Module.- It is 16.5 ft in diameter and 10.83 ft in length with a weight of 21,400 lbs (LEO) and 19,650 lbs (beyond LEO). -- Apollo was 12.83 ft in diameter and 10.58 ft long. The CM will be recovered after a water landing similar to Apollo.- The Apollo CM was used once; the Orion CM will be reused for up to 10 flights.

The service module (SM) provides support to the CM from launch through CM separation to enable LEO and beyond LEO missions with minimal impact to the CM. The SM supports a 21.3 day crewed mission. It provides accommodation for ISS un-pressurized cargo and beyond LEO mission equipment. The SM has a 16.5 ft in diameter stepped cylindrical shape that is 15.67 ft in length with a weight of 19,418 lbs (LEO) and 27,198 lbs (beyond LEO).