Project Mercury Newsletter McDonnell Aircraft Corp Jan. 1960 Space Program Rare

Description

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. Engineering News. January 1960. Development of the Capsule Pressure Vessel for Project Mercury.  Fred Sanders. St. Louis, 1960.  Four page newsletter, mostly on Project Mercury. A corporate newsletter on Project Mercury, briefly discussing the inherent problems of designing a capsule for a manned space launch. In January of 1959, the U. S. government chose McDonnell Douglas as the primary contractor for the spacecraft.  Fred Sanders, the Project Strength Engineer, writes. "The pressure vessel for the Project Mercury capsule presents a challenge to both the engineer and the fabricator.  The basic requirements, which often seem to contradict one another, include: minimum development time; operation in a severe and, to some extent, undefined environment; light weight to be compatible with booster capabilities; and a high degree of reliability commensurate with manned operation."  Almost a year later, in May of 1961, Alan Shepard would be the first American in space. Previously folded, but Very Good. A rare early Space Age item.