May 5, 1961 — Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space
Alan Shepard rode the Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming the first American in space — three weeks after the Soviets got there first. Days later, President Kennedy used the momentum to commit the nation to landing a man on the Moon. A short hop that launched a decade-long sprint.
Common Questions About May 5
What happened on May 5 in American history?
In 1961: Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space. Alan Shepard rode the Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming the first American in space — three weeks after the Soviets got there first.
Why is May 5 significant?
Alan Shepard rode the Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming the first American in space — three weeks after the Soviets got there first. Days later, President Kennedy used the momentum to commit the nation to landing a man on the Moon. A short hop that launched a decade-long sprint.
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