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Biocapsule, Primate, 1959. Creator: Army Ballistic Missile Agency
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Biocapsule, Primate, 1959. Creator: Army Ballistic Missile Agency
This biocapsule carried Able, a female rhesus monkey, during the first flight to recover a primate from space. On May 28, 1959, an Army Ballistic Missile Agency Jupiter rocket at Cape Canaveral launched Able and Baker (a female squirrel monkey housed in a separate capsule) in its nose cone. Their biomedical condition was monitored throughout the flight as part of Department of Defense experiments to determine the effects of spaceflight on living animals. They reached an altitude of approximately 300 miles, a maximum speed of 10, 000 mph, and were recovered alive some 1, 500 miles downrange by U.S. Navy ships. The flight provided important biomedical data for the human spaceflight program. The capsule was built by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, which transferred it to NASM in 1960
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Media ID 23872317
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1950s Air And Space Museum Fifties Mammal Monkey Monkies Nasm National Air And Space Museum Primate Research Space Space Travel Spacecraft Spacecraft Manned Test Vehicles United States Army Us Army Rhesus Monkey
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the historic Biocapsule, Primate from 1959. Created by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, this biocapsule served as a vessel for Able, a courageous female rhesus monkey who embarked on the first flight to recover a primate from space. Alongside her was Baker, a female squirrel monkey housed in a separate capsule. Launched on May 28th at Cape Canaveral by an Army Ballistic Missile Agency Jupiter rocket, these brave primates soared through the atmosphere while their biomedical condition was closely monitored. Reaching astonishing heights of approximately 300 miles and speeds of up to 10,000 mph, Able and Baker's journey provided invaluable data for Department of Defense experiments aimed at understanding the effects of spaceflight on living organisms. Remarkably, they were successfully recovered alive some 1,500 miles downrange by U. S. Navy ships. The significance of this mission extended beyond animal research; it offered crucial insights into human space travel and contributed greatly to the development of our nation's space program. The Biocapsule itself is an engineering marvel with its overall aluminum construction and various components made from plastic, copper wiring, and steel. Now preserved within the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), this artifact stands as a testament to America's scientific achievements during the mid-20th century. It symbolizes our country's dedication to pushing boundaries in technology and exploration while honoring those who paved the way for future advancements in space travel.
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