Dear friends It's indeed a great achievement. No doubt, Alan Shepard's flight 50 years ago have paved the way for what United States is today in the area of manned missions. His contribution has not only helped the US, but the World as a whole in exploring the frontiers of space for the development of mankind on the Earth. On this great day, we salute and pay our tributes to this 'Great Soul' for his unparalleled contribution. We in India, join everyone in the United States and else where, in expressing our greetings and good wishes on this historic occasion.
73 de
Mani, VU2WMY Secretary & Station-In-Charge Upagrah Amateur Radio Club VU2URC ISRO Satellite Centre HAL Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017. Phone:(O)91-80-25082054/2598/2192 Mobile: 91-80-98803 41456 E-mail ID: wmy@isac.gov.in vu2wmy_mani@yahoo.com isrohams@yahoo.com
Quoting John Papay john@papays.com:
Tomorrow, May 5th, we as Americans will celebrate the Anniversary of Alan Shepard's flight into space 50 years ago. Alan flew in a Mercury capsule on top of a Redstone Rocket. His recovery at sea was viewed by millions on live television. Alan could have been the first human to fly in space, however, delays postponed what was to be an October, 1960 launch. Safety was the concern back then as it is today. Alan actually had some control over the Mercury capsule including it's attitude. His flight was not on autopilot. He was very concerned about making a mistake as he knew everyone was depending on him. His flight was a great success and a tribute to all those who came before him, some giving their lives as test pilots. The success could not have been possible if it were not for all those who were involved in the design, manufacturing and assembly, and all things necessary to launch a spacecraft. All were American Patriots.
I was just 15 years old in 1961 and had been licensed as a Novice for 3 months. My father worked at NASA Lewis so we were very much aware of the tremendous effort being made to put a man in Space. The years that came after saw the United States fly mission after mission culminating with a lunar landing. Alan Shepard would later command Apollo 14 and pilot the lunar lander onto the surface of the moon. Alan Shepard (1923-1998) is an American Hero.
Alan Shepard, the first American in Space, May 5th, 1961. Tell your kids and grandkids about him.
73, John K8YSE
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