Friendship 7 Lift Off at the Launch Pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Friendship 7 (Spacecraft)
John Glenn's (b. 1921) Mercury-Atlas vehicle (MA-6) lifting off the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) on February 20, 1962. This was the first manned flight of a Mercury-Atlas spacecraft, which occurred after a few delays. Glenn would become the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn was later feted in parades from Cocoa Beach, Florida, to New York City, New York.
Original black and white photographic print, February 20, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) with Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14's manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who would launch Cooper into orbit, observing the rocket delivery. In the final launch of Project Mercury, Cooper's Atlas launch vehicle sat on its side before being fully assembled and lifted vertically on the gantry. The Atlas was America's first rocket capable of lifting a man into orbit. <em>Faith 7</em>'s Atlas booster eventually lifted it into orbit, allowing Cooper to circle the Earth 22.5 times.
Original black and white photographic print, April 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Günter F. Wendt and Astronaut Gordon Cooper at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Photographed on the left is Günter F. Wendt, who was in charge with launch pad preparations, with astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), photographed in a space suit, at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). It is not known if this photograph was taken on launch day or for a practice day. Cooper successfully launched and completed his mission.
Original black and white photographic print, May 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper Autograph
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Years after his historic Mercury-Atlas 9 mission, astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) autographed this photograph of himself for the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum in Titusville, Florida. During his <em>Faith 7</em> flight, Cooper orbited the earth 22.5 times.
Original black and white photographic print, May 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum, Titusville, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper and Faith 7 Capsule at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), the astronaut aboard the last flight of Project Mercury, observing capsule preparations at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), as unidentified others look on. Cooper was to become the last American to go into space alone, while setting new endurance records for the American space program. <em>Faith 7</em>, the name his spacecraft was dubbed, launched successfully and circled the earth 22.5 times. While in space, Cooper was one of the early practitioners of conducting scientific observations in space.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Thor-Able Mission Being Prepared for Launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
The Thor-Able rocket sits on the pad being prepared for launch. These missions were launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17 (LC-17).
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Time Capsule Placed at Mercury 7 Monument
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Marine Corps
Monuments--United States
The time capsule is located at the Mercury 7 Monument, which was placed at the entrance to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). Contents of the time capsule are said to include John Glenn's (b. 1921) Marine Corps pilot wings, capsule blueprints, and photographic film documentation. Standing to the head of the site is a sculpture of the emblem of Project Mercury. The "7" signifies the original 7 Mercury astronauts, known as the Original Seven and Astronaut Group 1. The astronauts were Alan Shepard (1923-1998), Gus Grissom (1926-1967), John Glenn, Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), and Deke Slayton.<br /><br />The marker, which was not in place when the photograph was taken, quotes President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963): "One of the most complex tasks ever presented to man in this country...the achievement of manned flight in orbit around the Earth." President Kennedy requested that the time capsule be opened 500 years, hence in 2464.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Mercury 7 Monument, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 13 Launch Tote Board
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 13 (LC-13) was the sister site of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) and was used for unmanned Atlas intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), rocket tests, and Atlas-Agena launches. As was the tradition, a launch tote board, posted at the blockhouse, listing the launches and rocket configurations was typical for launch sites.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 13 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Atlas Core Arriving at Cape Canaveral
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Atlas (Missile)
Project Mercury (U.S.)
An Atlas core arriving at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Skid Strip. The core was flown from the manufacturer, Convair/General Dynamics, to Cape Canaveral, where it was unloaded and prepared for launch. This particular core was used for one of the four Mercury Atlas missions.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler as a Test Conductor at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 11
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Atlas (Missile)
Before being manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 and launching three astronauts into space, Dr. Calvin D. Fowler worked as a test conductor for Atlas missile tests at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 11.
Original black and white photographic print, December 1960: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 11, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch Crew in the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
T. J. O'Malley (1915-2009), who launched astronaut John Glenn (b. 1921) into orbit, is photographed on the left, and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who launched Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), is seen on the right. O'Malley, Dr. Fowler, and other unidentified members of the launch crew are photographed here at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad Blockhouse.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
While visiting the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad before the launch of the Faith 7 Mercury-Atlas mission, astronaut Astronaut listens to Günter Wendt (1923-2010) of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, the man who supervised spacecraft preparation on the launchpad. Wendt was famous for his meticulous standards, which won the trust of the astronauts.<br /><br />General Dynamics/Astronautics Operations Manager B. G. MacNabb is seen in the center of the first photograph. In the second photograph, MacNabb is pictured on the left, Wendt is seen in the center, and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler is photographed on the right.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
President John F. Kennedy with B. G. MacNabb at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Presidents--United States
During one visit to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) talking with General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations B. G. MacNabb. Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler can be seen to the right, behind the police officer in the foreground.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
B. G. MacNabb with Astronaut Gordon Cooper
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
B. G. MacNabb, General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations, greeting Mercury 7 astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) during a practice, the day before a launch was scrubbed or launch day at the launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14. Cooper, walking in his air conditioned space suit, was scheduled to embark on his 22.5-orbit mission. This photograph was also signed by Cooper.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler and Wayne Reid at Launch Conductor's Workstation in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
<span><span>Dr. Calvin D. Fowler</span></span> sitting at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14's Launch Conductor's workstation, is depicted ghere with Wayne Reid, of the Aerospace Corporation, around the time of Wally Schirra's (1923-2007) <em>Sigma 7</em> launch.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Atlas Rocket Under Construction at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Atlas (Missile)
In the final launch of Project Mercury, the Atlas launch vehicle sits on its side before being fully assembled and lifted vertically on the gantry. The Atlas was America's first rocket capable of lifting a man into orbit. Faith 7's Atlas booster eventually lifted it into orbit, allowing astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) to circle the Earth 22 and a half times.
Original black and white photographic print, April 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper with Management Team at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Project Mercury (U.S.)
In the first photograph, astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), pictured in the center, standing with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) managers on the right and contractor managers on the left. Then men are pictured in front of the unassembled Mercury-Atlas vehicle at the launch site at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14. B. G. MacNabb, General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations, is standing on the far left. <br /><br />When the Mercury 7 astronauts, such as Cooper, visited the launch site, they wore distinctively colored helmets so that they could be identified at a distance. Cooper, on such a visit before his flight, is viewing the unerected Atlas rocket from the gantry in the second photograph. The Atlas was America's first rocket capable of lifting a man into orbit. Faith 7's Atlas booster eventually lifted it into orbit, allowing Cooper to circle the Earth 22.5 times.
Original black and white photographic print, April 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Exiting Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler and an unidentified person exiting the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse. The tote board, which recorded the launches from Launch Complex 14 (Lc-14), can be seen above them.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Wally Schirra and B. G. MacNabb
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Astronaut Wally Schirra (1923-2007) named his boat <em>Sigma 7</em>, after the spacecraft which took him into orbit. In the photograph, Schirra shows the watercraft to General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations B. G. MacNabb at what is believed to be Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's industrial area near Hangar S.
Original black and white photographic print, October 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Playback Head Selector Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Electronic equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket. Ampex made magnetic tape drives and recorders, which were used to record data and/or audio.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch Control Simulator Console at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
tHE Launch Control Simulator at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse. This console likely allowed the launch team in Launch Complex 14's blockhouse to practice countdowns under simulated conditions. This could have allowed drills for normal and abnormal conditions during the launch.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Television Control Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
The television Control equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket. This panel control the remote cameras located at the launchpad.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Rack of Electronic Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Electronic equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Electronic Equipment Racks at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Electronic equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse. The equipment was mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are and was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch Control Room at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
During a launch of a Mercury-Atlas mission, these workstations were occupied by workers who monitored critical systems on the rocket and maintained lines of communications with essential locations around the world. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust equipment and the rocket. The monitors above the workstations allowed for a video feed on the launch vehicle at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse's Launch Conductor Console
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler seated at the launch conductor's console in the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse for Mercury-Atlas launch. Fowler would conduct the final three Project Mercury launches from this position.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Mercury-Atlas Management Team at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
A group photograph of the Mercury-Atlas launch management team. Left center in the back row is Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who launched astronauts <span><span>Scott Carpenter (1925-2013)</span></span>, <span><span>Wally Schirra (1923-2007),</span></span> and <span><span>Gordon Cooper (1927-2004)</span></span>. The other men in the photographed are unidentified.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Letter from General Ben I. Funk to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler (May 14, 1963)
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Air Force
Project Mercury (U.S.)
After the successful completion of the final manned Mercury-Atlas flight (MA-9), General Ben I. Funk (b. 1913), who was the U.S. Air Force general in charge of manned rocket development, sent this letter of commendation to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who was the manager and the Launch Conductor for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) on the final three Project Mercury flights. Dr. Fowler was tasked with pushing the button in the blockhouse to initiate the rocket's ignition. He was also responsible for the rocket's preparation and safety. Astronauts Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) successfully completed their missions because of Dr. Fowler's General Dynamics/Astronautics team preparation.
Funk, Ben Ivan
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Ben I. Funk to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, May 14, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Space Systems Division Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, El Segundo, California
General Dynamics/Astronautics, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Wally Schirra
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Astronauts--United States
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Wally Schirra (1923-2007) was the fifth American astronaut in space and the third to orbit the Earth. On October 3, 1962, Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who was the manager and launch conductor for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), confirmed a go for launch with the Project Mercury team in the launch complex's blockhouse and pressed the button to ignite the Mercury-Atlas rocket named <em>Sigma 7</em>. After his successful flight, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Schirra thanked Dr. Fowler for his efforts with a signed photograph.
Original 8 x 10 color photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler and T. J.O'Malley Observing Project Mercury
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, T. J. O'Malley (1915-2009) and others observing Mercury-Atlas 9 (MA-9)'s spacecraft, <em>Faith 7</em>, for Project Mercury. <em>Faith 7</em> was piloted by Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), on May 15, 1963. After the launch, the team assembled in the blockhouse to observe the mission on monitors. Dr. Fowler, who had just launched Cooper into orbit, is seated along with O'Malley, who had previously launchedJohn Glenn (b. 1921)'s rocket, <em>Friendship 7</em>.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
John Glenn Returning to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 After Mercury 7 Flight
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Cocoa Beach (Fla.)
Presidents--United States
As the third Mercury 7 astronaut, John Glenn (b. 1921) became the first American to orbit the Earth on February 20, 1962. On February 23, he returned to Patrick Air Force Base (Patrick AFB), accompanied by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973), and was reunited with his wife Annie Glenn (b. 1920) and their children. Glenn, his wife, and Vice President Johnson then motorcaded to Cape Canaveral and participated in a parade through Cocoa Beach, Florida.<br /><br />Upon arrival at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Cananveral AFS), they greeted President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), who had flown into Cape Canaveral, landing at the Skid Strip. From there, President Kennedy and Glenn were driven to Hangar S at Cape Canaveral, where the President presented him the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Distinguished Service Medal. They then toured Mercury Control Center and then greeted launch workers at Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). At the launch site, Glenn presented the President with a hard hat that workers wore when at the launchpad.
Original color photographic print, February 23, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
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Patrick Air Force Base, Florida
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronauts' Biggest 'Booster': Button Pusher with Prime Job
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Astronauts--United States
A newspaper article by Peter Reich published in <em>The Chicago's American</em>. The article provides a contemporaneous account of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) and launch conductor, whose job was launching astronaut Gordon Cooper into space on a Project Mercury rocket.
Reich, Peter
Original newspaper article: Reich, Peter. "Astronauts' Biggest 'Booster': Button Pusher with Prime Job." <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Chicago's American</em></a>, May 9, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Chicago's American</em></a>
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
General Dynamics/Astronautics, San Diego, California
A Great Trip in a Sweet Bird
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Air Force
A newspaper article published by <em>The </em><em>Plattsburgh Press-Republican</em> on October 4, 1962. Dr. Calvin D. Fowler was the manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 during the final three launches of Project Mercury. In this newspaper photograph, he is shown sitting at the Launch Conductor's console in the blockhouse at Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), launching <span><span>Wally Schirra (1923-2007)</span></span>'s Mercury-Atlas rocket, named Sigma 7, into space. Dr. Fowler would go on to do the same for Gordon Cooper (1927-2004).
Original newspaper article: "A Great Trip in a Sweet Bird." <a href="http://www.pressrepublican.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Plattsburgh Press-Republican</em></a>, Vol. LXIX, no. 45, October 4, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
<a href="http://www.pressrepublican.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Plattsburgh Press-Republican</em></a>
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cal Fowler and Others at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler with others at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). Dr. Fowler is photographed second from the right. Dr. Fowler was the manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 during the final three launches of Project Mercury. From the blockhouse at Complex 14, after confirming the mission was a go, Dr. Fowler pressed the button to launch Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Scott Carpenter (1925-2013) and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) into space aboard their respective rockets. He is pictured chatting with workers at the launch site.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
GD/Astro Greeters See Kennedy on Cape Trip
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Presidents--United States
Astronauts--United States
A newspaper article on President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)'s visit to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) on September 11, 1962. Presidents typically use such visits to gain firsthand understanding of important programs. President Kennedy toured the Cape Canaveral launch facilities the day before he announced the project to place a man on the Moon.
Original newspaper article: "GD/Astro Greeters See Kennedy on Cape Trip." September 11, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Rocket Monitoring and Launch Workstations at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) Blockhouse was where Mercury-Atlas rockets were launched using analog electronic equipment to monitor various aspects of the rocket. One might note that these Project Mercury workstations had no video screens, as there might be today, only analog gauges and meters to view conditions, as well as dials, switches, and buttons to issue commands to the rockets. This equipment was placed in electronics racks, similar to those used for computers in server rooms today, to save space and allow each workstation to have all the equipment to accomplish its function.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Workstation Containing Analog Electronics in Rack at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
<div>Used during the launches of the Mercury-Atlas rockets<span>—</span>from the first American to orbit earth, John Glenn (b. 1921), to the last Project Mercury flight with Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), Jr.<span>—</span>this was one of the workstations in the blockhouse at Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). Electronic equipment used in the LC-14 Blockhouse was placed in racks to maximize space utilization, similar to what one might see today in a computer server room. One main difference is that the electronics of Project Mercury era were analog rather than digital, and the displays and controls were analog as well, such as analog meters and knobs.</div>
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse Launch Tote Board
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
The Launch Tote Board at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) detailed the rocket launches carried out at the facility. Posted outside of the blockhouse, it showed the vehicle type, designation and launch date.
Original black and white photographic print, March 15, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), where some of the United States' first astronauts were launched into space, had a heavily built concrete and steel blockhouse which housed the actual rocket firing button. This blockhouse was built to withstand a rocket exploding on or close to the launchpad, which can seen in the background of the third photograph. Two months before Leroy "Gordo" Gordon Cooper, Jr.'s flight on the Mercury-Atlas rocket named Faith 7, the launch site stood ready.
Original black and white photographic prints, March 15, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Fowler, Calvin D.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
President John F. Kennedy Touring Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Cape Canaveral (Fla.)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Launch complexes (Astronautics)--Florida
Project Mercury (U.S.)
Presidents--United States
High-profile projects, such as Project Mercury, typically get a great deal of attention from Presidential Administrations. This presidential visit occurred on September 11, 1962, a month before the fifth Mercury flight. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) toured Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) the day before he travelled to Houston, Texas, and addressed an audience at Rice University to proclaim that "we choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard," thus beginning the American space program's effort to put humans on the Moon.
Original black and white photographic print, September 11, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
<span><span>Fowler, Calvin D.</span></span>
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida