Beach Abort
Uncrewed test of Mercury Launch Escape System from ground level.
via Wikipedia: Beach Abort · see source
On May 9, 1960, NASA conducted an uncrewed test of the Mercury spacecraft's Launch Escape System at Wallops Island, Virginia. The goal was to evaluate the escape system, parachutes, landing gear, and recovery procedures during an off-the-pad emergency. The spacecraft and escape tower launched from ground level, reaching a top speed of 976 mph and an apogee of 2,465 feet. The flight lasted 1 minute and 16 seconds, ending with a splashdown 0.6 miles offshore. A Marine Corps helicopter retrieved the spacecraft 17 minutes later. While the test was deemed a success, the escape tower did not separate far enough from the capsule. The spacecraft used was Mercury Spacecraft #1, the first built by McDonnell, weighing 1,154 kg. It now hangs indoors at the New York Hall of Science, fitted with an escape tower of unknown origin.
Quick Facts
- Mission type
- Abort test
- Operator
- NASA
- Mission duration
- 1 minutes, 16 seconds
- Distance travelled
- 1 mi / 1.61 km
- Suborbital apogee
- 0.5 mi / 805 m
- Spacecraft
- Mercury No.1
- Manufacturer
- McDonnell Aircraft
- Launch mass
- 1,007 kg / 2,220 lb
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The Beach Abort used Mercury Spacecraft #1, the first spacecraft off McDonnell's production line.
- The spacecraft splashed down 0.6 mi from the launch site.
- The test was considered a success, though there was insufficient separation distance when the tower jettisoned.
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