PROJECT MERCURY (LITTLE JOE) Reel 3 · Part 2

Description

Summary: Coverage of NASA boiler-plate Mercury capsule containing a Rhesus monkey "Miss Sam" in a hermetically sealed container and launch by Little Joe IV rocket. Shows the monkey being prepared for test, mating of escape tower to Mercury capsule, launch, USMC UH-34D returning capsule after pick-up and removal of "Miss Sam" from capsule. Also includes scenes of destroyer USS BORIE recovering Mercury capsule which was launched by Little Joe III on 4 December 1959. Reel 1: 1) Series of shots in launch area of Little Joe IV rocket on pad, party from School of Aviation Medicine including officers and doctors looking at base of rocket and leaving area; and crane lifting escape tower and being mated to boiler plate Mercury capsule. 2) Scenes of Rhesus monkey "Miss Sam" being prepared, laced into form-fitting couch, lowered and sealed in outer shell, then capsule is carried out and loaded into Merury capsule and checked out by electronic equipment. 3) Scenes of Maj Cloid D. Green (Dr) showing astronauts, Lt Col John H. Glenn (USMC) and Lt Comdr Alan B. Shepard, Jr., (USN), the inside framework of the environmental cylindrical container. 4) ELS of launch and tracking of Little Joe rocket, carrying Mercury capsule. 5) Scenes of SAM and NASA personnel, some with binoculars, following launch. 6) Scenes of enviromental container being removed from Mercury capsule--astronauts Glenn and Shepard watching and "Miss Sam" being removed from the cylindrical container. 7) Onboard footage of reactions of monkey during flight. 560' Total footage in reel. Reel 2: 1) ELS climb of Little Joe IV rocket carrying Mercury capsule. 2) Scenes of SAM and NASA personnel, some with binoculars, looking skyward. 3) Scenes of USMC UH-34D with underslung Mercury capsule in flight, depositing capsule on ground and helicopter in flight. 4) Scenes of crowd rushing over to Mercury capsule, firemen hosing down capsule and crane lifting Mercury capsule. 5) Onboard footage of "Miss Sam's" reactions during flight. 137' Total footage in reel. Reel 3: Scenes of destroyer USS BORIE crew recovering Mercury capsule which was launched by Little Joe III rocket on 4 December 1959--shows capsule bobbing and tossing in high waves, capsule being hoisted aboard ship and environmental container being removed. Also includes scenes of seaman being towed in by line, pulled aboard ship, his Mae West and outer clothing being removed, then he is escorted to lower deck. (He apparently was tossed overboard because waves were high and ship was pitching about badly). 211' Total footage in reel. Reel 4: 1) Onboard footage from down camera showing earth receding after lift-off of rocket. 2) Shows Little Joe IV rocket launch and climb. 3) Onboard footage of "Miss Sam" during flight. 4) Scenes in launch area of SAM and NASA personnel near base of Little Joe rocket and escape tower being placed on Mercury capsule with aid of crane. 5) Scenes of Maj Green (Dr) talking and showing astronauts Glenn and Shepard the environmental cylindrical container. 6) Scenes of Rhesus monkey "Miss Sam" being laced into form-fitting couch, then couch is placed inside environmental cylindrical container which is lowered into outer shell, sealed, carried to and loaded into Mercury capsule and capsule being checked out by electronic equipment. 7) ELS of Little Joe IV rocket launch. 8) Scenes of SAM and NASA personnel, some with binoculars, following launch. 9) Shows "Miss Sam" in couch being fed. 10) Scenes of environmental cylindrical container being removed from Mercury capsule and "Miss Sam" taken from the container. 11) MS's of astronauts Glenn and Shepard observing. 770' Total footage in reel. Fair-good (Basic: R-1&2 Orig neg, R-3 Mas pos, R-4 Dupe neg)

Collection

Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations

Series

Moving Images Relating to Military Aviation Activities