The History of the Mercury Capsule

The year is 1962. Miniature components for the Mercury Capsule are examples of some of the developments with potential for other uses in industry and at home. This is a Mercury Capsule retrofire relay. It contains 50 components in a case about three quarters of an inch by one inch by 1 ½ inches. Preparations continue in the last half of 1962 for the first two band Gemini flight which will ultimately occur in March 1965.

NASA develops small space technology in preparation for Gemini. A Gemini spacesuit can be worn for as long as 14 days. It is being tested for comfort and mobility. The boots, gloves and helmet are attached to the suit to provide decompression protection during critical times of flight.

The Apollo suit is so far the most difficult to develop. Scientist stays dehydrated free stride foods and concentrated bite sized snacks, packaged in edible coatings for space travel use. Water reconstitutes dehydrated food to its original texture. Free stringent foods include fruits, meats and fish, which can be stored indefinitely without spoiling.

Scientist study how well microorganisms live in the space environment. These studies are important before unofficially environments for space cruise on extinctive missions are created.