Little Joe 1
Premature escape-rocket firing caused the Little Joe 1 failure.
Little Joe 1 (LJ-1) was a failed launch of a solid-fuel Little Joe rocket designed for a Max Q abort and launch escape system test for the Mercury capsule. The objective was to assess the escape rocket's performance under the most severe dynamic loading anticipated during a Mercury-Atlas launch. On 21 August 1959, during preparations at Wallops Flight Facility, an explosive flash occurred half an hour before launch. Only the capsule-and-tower combination launched, following a trajectory similar to an off-the-pad abort, while the booster remained on the launcher. The flight lasted 20 seconds, reaching about 610 m before the tower jettisoned.
Quick Facts
- Mission type
- Max Q abort and escape test
- Operator
- USA NASA
- Mission duration
- 20 seconds
- Distance travelled
- 610 m / 2,001 ft
- Spacecraft type
- Mercury boilerplate
- Manufacturer
- McDonnell Aircraft
- Launch mass
- 2,555 lb / 1,159 kg
- Launched
- 21 August 1959, Launch Escape System fired 30 minutes before planned launch
Facts from the source article.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Little Joe 1 launched?
Little Joe 1 was launched on 21 August 1959.
Who operated Little Joe 1?
Little Joe 1 was operated by USA NASA.
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