EditorialCreativeSportsCollectionsVideos
Prices
0Log in

Visual content for professionals.
800M+ images and videos.

Content Hub

  • Current Events
  • Pictures of the Year
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Creative
  • Collections
  • Videos

Offers

  • Prices & Packages
  • Promotions
  • Enterprise
  • Newsletter
  • Blog
  • The Game Magazine

Services

  • Content Research
  • Contract Photography
  • API & FTP Push
  • my-picturemaxx
  • Become a Partner

Company

  • About IMAGO
  • Careers
  • News

Help Center

  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
Legal NoticeTerms & ConditionsLicense InformationData PrivacyPrivacy Settings
© 2026 IMAGO
CEPICBAPLABVPA
  3. IMAGO International History, Archive, Space travel, USA, Liberty Bell 7 with Virgil Grissom 1961

IMAGO International History, Archive, Space travel, USA, Liberty Bell 7 with Virgil Grissom 1961

Nov 20, 2025

The following photos have been selected for you by the IMAGO picture desk on this topic. For more pictures please use the search function.

Images in this collection

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- READY FOR FLIGHT - On level three of gantry on pad 5, Project Mercury astronaut Virgil I. Gus Grissom pauses briefly while a technician completes final adjustment in the Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, which carried Grissom 118 miles into space on Friday, July 21, 1961. The craft s large trapezoidal observation window can be seen behind the pilot. The Pilot Observer Camera, which brought the astronaut s head and shoulders into view, was to reflect the lights on the flight events sequence panel through the 5-inch plexiglas parabolic mirror attached to Grissom s suit, to provide and accurately time record the pilot s voice communications, eye scan pattern and arm motions. The spacecraft sank on landing and has not b Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsnasaend23-17034 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- READY FOR FLIGHT - On level three of gantry on pad 5, Project Mercury astronaut Virgil I. Gus Grissom pauses briefly while a technician completes final adjustment in the Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, which carried Grissom 118 miles into space on Friday, July 21, 1961. The craft s large trapezoidal observation window can be seen behind the pilot. The Pilot Observer Camera, which brought the astronaut s head and shoulders into view, was to reflect the lights on the flight events sequence panel through the 5-inch plexiglas parabolic mirror attached to Grissom s suit, to provide and accurately time record the pilot s voice communications, eye scan pattern and arm motions. The spacecraft sank on landing and has not b Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsnasaend23-17034 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Project Mercury Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, primary pilot for the Mercury-Redstone 4 manned space flight known as Liberty Bell 7, gets an assist from suit specialist Joe W. Schmidt as he prepares for the Mercury-Redstone 4 manned space flight. The flight, the second manned shot in the Mercury program, was postponed because of bad weather in the launch area. (NASA Photo Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsnasaend23-17007 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Project Mercury Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, primary pilot for the Mercury-Redstone 4 manned space flight known as Liberty Bell 7, gets an assist from suit specialist Joe W. Schmidt as he prepares for the Mercury-Redstone 4 manned space flight. The flight, the second manned shot in the Mercury program, was postponed because of bad weather in the launch area. (NASA Photo Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsnasaend23-17007 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- PROJECT MERCURY S SECOND suborbital astronaut training flight will be attempted during the week of July 16 with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation s production spacecraft number 11, which has been named Liberty Bell 7. The number seven stresses the team effort of the seven Mercury pilots necessary for conducting Mercury flights. Mission pilot for the MR-4 launch will be astronaut Virgil I. Gus Grissom. His spacecraft is seen here undergoing systems checks in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s Mercury Hangar at Cape Canaveral, Florida, weeks before the planned launch Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsnasaend23-16969 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- PROJECT MERCURY S SECOND suborbital astronaut training flight will be attempted during the week of July 16 with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation s production spacecraft number 11, which has been named Liberty Bell 7. The number seven stresses the team effort of the seven Mercury pilots necessary for conducting Mercury flights. Mission pilot for the MR-4 launch will be astronaut Virgil I. Gus Grissom. His spacecraft is seen here undergoing systems checks in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s Mercury Hangar at Cape Canaveral, Florida, weeks before the planned launch Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsnasaend23-16969 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom on the second US manned sub-orbital spaceflight. The Mercury capsule was named Liberty Bell 7. Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 10839276

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom on the second US manned sub-orbital spaceflight. The Mercury capsule was named Liberty Bell 7. Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 10839276

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom on the second US manned sub-orbital spaceflight. The Mercury capsule was named Liberty Bell 7. Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 10839275

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom The Mercury-Redstone rocket that carried Virgil Grissom on the second US manned sub-orbital spaceflight. The Mercury capsule was named Liberty Bell 7. Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 10839275

  • John Glenn Dies at 95 FILE PHOTO: Astronaut Virgil Grissom chats with Astronaut John Glenn prior to entering the Liberty Bell 7 capsule for the MR-4 Mission at Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 21, 1961. The MR-4 mission was the second manned suborbital flight using the Mercury-Redstone booster, which was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center. Photo Credit: NASA CNP AdMedia Cape Canaveral Florida United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx MSFC-75-SA-4105-2C MSFC-6116427 CNP AdMediax admphotostwo312104

    John Glenn Dies at 95 FILE PHOTO: Astronaut Virgil Grissom chats with Astronaut John Glenn prior to entering the Liberty Bell 7 capsule for the MR-4 Mission at Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 21, 1961. The MR-4 mission was the second manned suborbital flight using the Mercury-Redstone booster, which was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center. Photo Credit: NASA CNP AdMedia Cape Canaveral Florida United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx MSFC-75-SA-4105-2C MSFC-6116427 CNP AdMediax admphotostwo312104

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED Astronaut Grissom, Vrgil entering Mercury-Redstone Capsule, Liberty bell 7, Assisted by Astronaut Glenn, John MR-4 Mission Launch On July 21, 1961. 1062_05_M_-489-

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED Astronaut Grissom, Vrgil entering Mercury-Redstone Capsule, Liberty bell 7, Assisted by Astronaut Glenn, John MR-4 Mission Launch On July 21, 1961. 1062_05_M_-489-

  • RECORD DATE NOT STATED (21 July 1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) Liberty Bell 7 spaceflight, arrives aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph, following his 15-minute, 37-second suborbital space mission. He is flanked by military medical officers. 1062_36_M_-640-

    RECORD DATE NOT STATED (21 July 1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) Liberty Bell 7 spaceflight, arrives aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph, following his 15-minute, 37-second suborbital space mission. He is flanked by military medical officers. 1062_36_M_-640-

  • S61-02898 (21 July 1961) --- Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) ?Liberty Bell 7? spaceflight, enjoys a meal aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph, following his 15-minute, 37-second suborbital space mission. 1062_36_M_-518-

    S61-02898 (21 July 1961) --- Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) ?Liberty Bell 7? spaceflight, enjoys a meal aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph, following his 15-minute, 37-second suborbital space mission. 1062_36_M_-518-

  • Astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom awaits America s second marned space mission, Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) on July 21, 1961. During the 15-minute suborbital flight, the Liberty Bell 7 Mercury spacecraft reached an altitude of 118 miles and traveled 303 miles downrange. It was the fourth flight of the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle (MR-4), developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and the rocket team in Huntsville, Alabama. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-160416 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    Astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom awaits America s second marned space mission, Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) on July 21, 1961. During the 15-minute suborbital flight, the Liberty Bell 7 Mercury spacecraft reached an altitude of 118 miles and traveled 303 miles downrange. It was the fourth flight of the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle (MR-4), developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and the rocket team in Huntsville, Alabama. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-160416 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • Astronaut Virgil I. Gus Grissom, one of the original seven astronauts for Mercury Project selected by NASA on April 27, 1959. The MR-4 mission, boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle, made the second marned suborbital flight. The capsule, Liberty Bell 7, sank into the sea after the splashdown. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-160220 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    Astronaut Virgil I. Gus Grissom, one of the original seven astronauts for Mercury Project selected by NASA on April 27, 1959. The MR-4 mission, boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle, made the second marned suborbital flight. The capsule, Liberty Bell 7, sank into the sea after the splashdown. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-160220 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • A U.S. Marine helicopter attempts to retrieve the sinking capsule, Liberty Bell 7, of the MR-4 mission. The attempt failed and the capsule sank. The MR-4 mission marned by Astronaut Virgil Grissom was the second manned orbital flight boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle. The Recovery ship is in the background. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-159354 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    A U.S. Marine helicopter attempts to retrieve the sinking capsule, Liberty Bell 7, of the MR-4 mission. The attempt failed and the capsule sank. The MR-4 mission marned by Astronaut Virgil Grissom was the second manned orbital flight boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle. The Recovery ship is in the background. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-159354 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • A Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle awaits test-firing in the Redstone Test Stand during the late 1950s. Between 1953 and 1960, the rocket team at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama performed hundreds of test firings on the Redstone rocket, over 200 on the Mercury-Redstone vehicle configuration alone. It was this configuration which launched America s first two marned space missions, Freedom 7 and Liberty Bell 7,in 1961. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-158792 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    A Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle awaits test-firing in the Redstone Test Stand during the late 1950s. Between 1953 and 1960, the rocket team at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama performed hundreds of test firings on the Redstone rocket, over 200 on the Mercury-Redstone vehicle configuration alone. It was this configuration which launched America s first two marned space missions, Freedom 7 and Liberty Bell 7,in 1961. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-158792 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • Liftoff of MR-4 (Mercury-Redstone), Liberty Bell 7, on July 21, 1961. MR-4 mission was the second marned suborbital flight and carried Astronaut Virgil Grissom aboard the Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft in space for a duration of 15-1 2 minutes. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-158698 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    Liftoff of MR-4 (Mercury-Redstone), Liberty Bell 7, on July 21, 1961. MR-4 mission was the second marned suborbital flight and carried Astronaut Virgil Grissom aboard the Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft in space for a duration of 15-1 2 minutes. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-158698 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • Assisted by Astronaut John Glenn, Astronaut Virgil Grissom enters the Mercury capsule, Liberty Bell 7, for the MR-4 mission on July 21, 1961. Boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle, the MR-4 mission was the second manned suborbital flight. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-158690 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    Assisted by Astronaut John Glenn, Astronaut Virgil Grissom enters the Mercury capsule, Liberty Bell 7, for the MR-4 mission on July 21, 1961. Boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle, the MR-4 mission was the second manned suborbital flight. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-158690 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-03705 (1961) --- Close-up view of the fueling of the Liberty Bell 7 for the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-54390 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-03705 (1961) --- Close-up view of the fueling of the Liberty Bell 7 for the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-54390 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02894 (21 July 1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) Liberty Bell 7 spaceflight, arrives aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph, following his 15-minute, 37-second suborbital space mission. He is flanked by military medical officers. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-54384 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02894 (21 July 1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) Liberty Bell 7 spaceflight, arrives aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph, following his 15-minute, 37-second suborbital space mission. He is flanked by military medical officers. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-54384 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • 61-MR4-76 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, poses for a picture. Backup pilot John Glenn is in the right corner of the view behind Grissom. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-50588 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    61-MR4-76 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, poses for a picture. Backup pilot John Glenn is in the right corner of the view behind Grissom. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-50588 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A close-up of the recently recovered Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule from the ocean floor shows the lettering United States still clearly visible on its side. Thirty-eight years ago, the capsule made a successful 16-minute suborbital flight, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. In an expedition sponsored by the Discovery Channel, underwater salvage expert Curt Newport fulfilled a 14-year dream in finding and, after one a Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10585 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A close-up of the recently recovered Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule from the ocean floor shows the lettering United States still clearly visible on its side. Thirty-eight years ago, the capsule made a successful 16-minute suborbital flight, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. In an expedition sponsored by the Discovery Channel, underwater salvage expert Curt Newport fulfilled a 14-year dream in finding and, after one a Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10585 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Media and photographers get a close-up view of the Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule after its recovery from the Atlantic Ocean floor where it lay for 38 years. Launched July 21, 1961, the capsule made a successful 16-minute suborbital flight, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. Curt Newport, an underwater salvage expert, located the capsule through modern technology, and after one abortive attempt, successfully raised it Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10582 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Media and photographers get a close-up view of the Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule after its recovery from the Atlantic Ocean floor where it lay for 38 years. Launched July 21, 1961, the capsule made a successful 16-minute suborbital flight, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. Curt Newport, an underwater salvage expert, located the capsule through modern technology, and after one abortive attempt, successfully raised it Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10582 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Media and spectators get a close-up view of the Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule after its recovery from the Atlantic Ocean floor where it lay for 38 years. Launched July 21, 1961, the capsule made a successful 16-minute suborbital flight, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. Curt Newport, an underwater salvage expert, located the capsule through modern technology, and after one abortive attempt, successfully raised it an Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10581 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Media and spectators get a close-up view of the Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule after its recovery from the Atlantic Ocean floor where it lay for 38 years. Launched July 21, 1961, the capsule made a successful 16-minute suborbital flight, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. Curt Newport, an underwater salvage expert, located the capsule through modern technology, and after one abortive attempt, successfully raised it an Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10581 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gunther Wendt takes a turn at the podium after viewing the recovered Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule, seen in the background. At right is Curt Newport who led the expedition to find and retrieve the capsule. The expedition was sponsored by the Discovery Channel. Wendt worked on the Liberty Bell 7 before its launch July 21, 1961. After its successful 16-minute suborbital flight, the Liberty Bell 7, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10580 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gunther Wendt takes a turn at the podium after viewing the recovered Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule, seen in the background. At right is Curt Newport who led the expedition to find and retrieve the capsule. The expedition was sponsored by the Discovery Channel. Wendt worked on the Liberty Bell 7 before its launch July 21, 1961. After its successful 16-minute suborbital flight, the Liberty Bell 7, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10580 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Retrieved from the ocean floor three miles deep, the Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule is revealed to photographers and the media in Port Canaveral, Fla. The capsule was found and raised by Curt Newport (left), leading an expedition sponsored by the Discovery Channel. After its successful 16-minute suborbital flight on July 21, 1961, the Liberty Bell 7, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. An underwater salvage expert, Newport Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10579 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Retrieved from the ocean floor three miles deep, the Liberty Bell 7 Project Mercury capsule is revealed to photographers and the media in Port Canaveral, Fla. The capsule was found and raised by Curt Newport (left), leading an expedition sponsored by the Discovery Channel. After its successful 16-minute suborbital flight on July 21, 1961, the Liberty Bell 7, with astronaut Virgil Gus Grissom aboard, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. A prematurely jettisoned hatch caused the capsule to flood and a Marine rescue helicopter was unable to lift it. It quickly sank to a three-mile depth. Grissom was rescued but his spacecraft remained lost on the ocean floor, until now. An underwater salvage expert, Newport Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-10579 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S64-10806 (21 July 1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) spaceflight, in his Mercury Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft is checking his flight plan during prelaunch activities. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-879 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S64-10806 (21 July 1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) spaceflight, in his Mercury Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft is checking his flight plan during prelaunch activities. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-879 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02897 (21 July 1961) --- Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) ?Liberty Bell 7? spaceflight, talking on the phone with President Kennedy. Grissom is still wearing his pressure suit. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-875 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02897 (21 July 1961) --- Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, pilot of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) ?Liberty Bell 7? spaceflight, talking on the phone with President Kennedy. Grissom is still wearing his pressure suit. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-875 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02826 (21 July 1961) --- A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter attempts an unsuccessful recovery of the Mercury-Redstone 4 Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft. The spacecraft hatch opened prematurely, and astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, pilot, escaped into the water. The helicopter hooked onto the spacecraft but could not retrieve it. Grissom was recovered by another helicopter and flown to the recovery ship, USS Randolph. The Mercury spacecraft sank to the bottom of the ocean. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-873 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02826 (21 July 1961) --- A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter attempts an unsuccessful recovery of the Mercury-Redstone 4 Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft. The spacecraft hatch opened prematurely, and astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, pilot, escaped into the water. The helicopter hooked onto the spacecraft but could not retrieve it. Grissom was recovered by another helicopter and flown to the recovery ship, USS Randolph. The Mercury spacecraft sank to the bottom of the ocean. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-873 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02824 (21 July 1961) --- A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter attempts an unsuccessful recovery of the Mercury-Redstone 4 Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft. The spacecraft hatch opened prematurely, and astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, pilot, escaped into the water. The helicopter hooked onto the spacecraft but could not retrieve it. Grissom was recovered by another helicopter and flown to the recovery ship, USS Randolph. The Mercury spacecraft sank to the bottom of the ocean. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-872 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02824 (21 July 1961) --- A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter attempts an unsuccessful recovery of the Mercury-Redstone 4 Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft. The spacecraft hatch opened prematurely, and astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, pilot, escaped into the water. The helicopter hooked onto the spacecraft but could not retrieve it. Grissom was recovered by another helicopter and flown to the recovery ship, USS Randolph. The Mercury spacecraft sank to the bottom of the ocean. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-872 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-03740 (20 July 1961) --- Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. and a technician examine the interior of the Liberty Bell 7, the capsule flown a few days later during the Mercury-Redstone 4 mission with astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-870 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-03740 (20 July 1961) --- Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. and a technician examine the interior of the Liberty Bell 7, the capsule flown a few days later during the Mercury-Redstone 4 mission with astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-870 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-03698 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, sits in front of his capsule for a picture. Behind him technicians work inside the capsule. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-868 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-03698 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, sits in front of his capsule for a picture. Behind him technicians work inside the capsule. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-868 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02888 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, stands in front of the capsule for a picture. Backup pilot John Glenn is in the right corner of the view behind Grissom. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-867 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02888 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, stands in front of the capsule for a picture. Backup pilot John Glenn is in the right corner of the view behind Grissom. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-867 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02882 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, talks with backup pilot John H. Glenn prior to insertion. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-866 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02882 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up and ready to climb into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft, talks with backup pilot John H. Glenn prior to insertion. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-866 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

  • S61-02881 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up in a newly designed pressure suit, is assisted as he climbs into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft. Behind him backup pilot John Glenn watches the insertion. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-865 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

    S61-02881 (1961) --- Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, suited up in a newly designed pressure suit, is assisted as he climbs into Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft. Behind him backup pilot John Glenn watches the insertion. The Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission was scrubbed a few hours later due to unfavorable weather over the launch pad. Copyright: xpiemagsx piemagsspace-865 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

Collections