Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > Royal Aeronautical Society > Photographic
A Sikorsky UH-34 helicopter
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
A Sikorsky UH-34 helicopter
A Sikorsky UH-34 helicopter lifts the Mercury capsule, Freedom 7, out of the Atlantic following the first US sub-orbital spaceflight carrying astronaut Alan B. Shepard. 5 May 1961. Date: 1961
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 9888763
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10839280
Alan Astronaut Atlantic Capsule Freedom Helicopter Lifts Mercury Orbital Shepard Sikorsky Spaceflight
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this historic moment captured on film, a Sikorsky UH-34 Chickasaw helicopter lifts the Mercury capsule, Freedom 7, out of the Atlantic Ocean following the first sub-orbital spaceflight by an American astronaut, Alan B. Shepard. The date was May 5, 1961. After reaching an altitude of 116 miles and traveling 302 miles during a 15-minute flight, Shepard's spacecraft splashed down in the Atlantic, marking the successful completion of the NASA's Project Mercury, the United States' first manned spaceflight program. The helicopter, a Sikorsky UH-34 Chickasaw, played a crucial role in the recovery operation. Its powerful rotors were able to lift the Mercury capsule, which weighed approximately 3,000 pounds, out of the water and transport it to the USS Lakehurst, a recovery ship that was waiting to bring Shepard back to shore. The image captures the moment of triumph as the helicopter, with its distinctive twin-engine design and distinctive "Jolly Green Giant" paint scheme, hovers above the water, the Mercury capsule securely attached beneath it. In the background, the USS Lakehurst can be seen, its deck ready to receive the capsule and its precious cargo. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity and teamwork of the engineers, pilots, and astronauts who made this groundbreaking achievement possible. It is a reminder of the incredible progress made in space exploration during the early days of the Space Age and the vital role that helicopters played in the recovery of astronauts and their spacecraft.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.