Deconstructing a Space-Age Myth

Article

“Deconstructing a Space-Age Myth” by Joel W. Powell
Published in Quest Volume: 28 #4 (2021)

Abstract

An errant Atlas launch on 18 May 1959 was ostensibly witnessed by America’s Mercury astronauts on 18 May 1959. Astronaut Shepard reportedly said, “I sure hope they fix that,” or words to that effect. A similar anecdote also appeared in John Glenn’s 1999 memoir. The only problem with the story is that it is almost certainly not true. Careful reading of the press coverage at the time of the visit disclosed that the astronauts did not arrive in Florida until two days after the failed rocket launch.

Citation

Powell, Joel. “Deconstructing a Space-Age Myth.” Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly 28, no. 4 (2021): 61-62.