Astronomy on MSN
May 5, 1961: The first American in space
In 1961, amidst the tensions of the Space Race, NASA made an unpopular choice: Concerned with booster issues during a January ...
As NASA fought to catch up to the Soviet Union in the space race, they selected a Navy veteran as the first astronaut. But ...
A Milestone Anniversary of Discovery! On May 5, 2026, Americans will celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Astronaut Day ...
Alan Shepherd became the first American in space on May 5, 1961 - it was NASA’s first Mercury mission.
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