Mercury-Atlas 9
Atlas LV-3B
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Crew
Gordon Cooper
- Birthday: 03/06/1927
- Role: Pilot
- Nationality: United States of America
- First Flight: 05/15/1963
- Last Flight: 08/21/1965
Leroy Gordon "Gordo" Cooper Jr. was an American aerospace engineer, test pilot, United States Air Force pilot, and ...
Mission
Mercury-Atlas 9
- Type: Human Exploration
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Mercury-Atlas 9 was the final manned spaceflight of the United States' Mercury program. It carried the Faith 7 spacecraft with astronaut Gordon Cooper to orbit where it completed 22 orbits seconds before reentry. The mission lasted for, 34 hours, 19 minutes & 49 seconds. This was the last time an American was launched to space on a solo orbital mission. The mission had several technical problems, the biggest which was a short-circuit in the bus bar serving the 250 volt main inverter causing the automatic stabilization and control system to stop working during the 21st orbit. In the end Cooper had to use lines he had drawn on the window and his wristwatch to correctly execute burns to safely re-enter the atmosphere.
Location
Space Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida
Space Launch Complex 14 has witnessed the launch of 20 rockets, including 16 orbital launch attempts. While Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, has been the site for 1086 rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Rocket
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B
The Atlas LV-3B, Atlas D Mercury Launch Vehicle or Mercury-Atlas Launch Vehicle, was a human-rated expendable launch system used as part of the United States Project Mercury to send astronauts into low Earth orbit. Manufactured by American aircraft manufacturing company Convair, it was derived from the SM-65D Atlas missile, and was a member of the Atlas family of rockets.
Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Learn more about National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B Mercury-Atlas 9 launch scheduled?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B Mercury-Atlas 9 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B Mercury-Atlas 9 mission launch from?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission?
The Mercury-Atlas 9 mission launched aboard a National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B rocket. The Atlas LV-3B, Atlas D Mercury Launch Vehicle or Mercury-Atlas Launch Vehicle, was a human-rated expendable launch system used as part of the United States Project Mercury to send astronauts into low Earth orbit. Manufactured by American aircraft manufacturing company Convair, it was derived from the SM-65D Atlas missile, and was a member of the Atlas family of rockets. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B Mercury-Atlas 9 launch?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B Mercury-Atlas 9 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B Mercury-Atlas 9 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest National Aeronautics and Space Administration Atlas LV-3B launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official National Aeronautics and Space Administration live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.