Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

Exploring the Unknown 89
V. Instrumentation
Medical instrumentation required to evaluate the pilot’s reaction to space
flight will be incorporated in the capsule. In addition, instrumentation will be
provided to measure and monitor the internal and external cabin environment
and to make scientific observations. These data will be recorded in flight and/or
telemetered to ground recorders.
VI. Communication
Provisions will be made for adequate two-way communications between the
pilot and ground stations. [3]
VII. Ground Support
The successful completion of the manned satellite program will require considerable
ground support, such as pre-launch support and an elaborate recovery network.
VIII. Test Program
An extensive test program will be required to implement this project. The
test program will include ground testing, development and qualification flight
testing, and pilot training.
Document I-13
Document Title: NASA, “Preliminary Specifications for Manned Satellite
Capsule,” October 1958.
Source: Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History
Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington DC.
Most of the design work for what became the Mercury spacecraft took place under the auspices
of, and in many cases directly by, Max Faget. This document, written by Faget and his
research team, established very detailed specifications for the Mercury spacecraft for the use
of industry, necessary for their proposals to build the hardware. These specifications outlined
the program and suggested methods of analysis and construction. Faget specifically asked for
the construction of a simple, nonlifting vehicle that could follow a ballistic path in reentering
the atmosphere without experiencing heating rates or accelerations that would be dangerous
to an astronaut. He also called for modest pitch, yaw, and attitude control, as well as
a retrorocket pack to bring the capsule down from orbital velocity. Finally, this document
established the limits of size, shape, weight, and tolerances of the Mercury spacecraft. This
set of specifications became the basis for the capsule’s construction by the McDonnell Aircraft
Company based in St. Louis, Missouri.
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
FOR
MANNED SATELLITE CAPSULE