Coliseum Central in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Mercury Test Capsule
NASA • Testing
— Air Power Park Tour —
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2017
1. Mercury Test Capsule Marker
This is a test capsule of America's first manned spacecraft for Project Mercury. Engineer's had to devise a vehicle that would protect the human being from the temperature extremes, vacuum, the newly discovered radiation of space and high-speed reentry through the atmosphere. The best vehicle for these requirements was a wingless “capsule” designed for a ballistic reentry, with an ablative heat shield that burned off as Mercury returned to Earth.
The original seven Mercury astronauts and to NASA's Space Task Group were based at nearby Langley Research Center from 1959 to 1963. The lifting ring at the top of this capsule means it was probably used for helicopter recovery training.
Erected by Air Power Park. (Marker Number 003.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.
Location. 37° 2.605′ N, 76° 22.011′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Coliseum Central. Marker can be reached from West Mercury Boulevard (U.S. 258) west of LaSalle Avenue (Virginia Route 167), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 413 W Mercury Blvd, Hampton VA 23666, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. T-33A T-Bird (a few steps from this marker); A-7E Corsair II
this page online
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2017
2. Mercury Test Capsule Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
