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

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First Steps into Space: Projects Mercury and Gemini
windshield that it was somewhat difficult to see. Every time I came around to the
sun – for I had established my roll rate on manual – it was virtually impossible to
see anything out through the window.
The capsule was very stable when the antenna section jettisoned. I could
see the whole recovery system just lined up in one big line as it came out. It
unreeled and blossomed normally; all the panels and visors looked good. I was
going through my landing check off list when the Capsule Communicator called
to remind me to deploy the landing bag. I flipped the switch to auto immediately
and the green light came on and I felt the bag release. I was able to see the water
coming towards me in the periscope. I was able to estimate very closely when I
would hit the water. The impact bag was a heavier shock than I had expected, but
it did not bother me.
Communications with the recovery ship Noa were very good. The Noa
had me in sight before impact and estimated 20 minutes to recovery which turned
out to be about right. When the destroyer came alongside, they hooked on
with the Shepard’s hook and cut the HF antenna. During the capsule pickup, I
received one good solid bump on the side of the ship as it rolled. Once on deck
I took the left hand panel loose and started to disconnect the suit hose in order
to hook up the hose extension prior to egressing through the upper hatch. By
this time I was really hot- pouring sweat. The capsule was very hot after reentry
and I really noticed the increase in humidity after the snorkels opened. I decided
that the best thing at that point was to come out the side rather than through the
top. I am sure I could have come out the top if I had had to, but I did not see any
reason to keep working to come out the top. So I called the ship and asked them
to clear the area outside the hatch. When I received word that the area was clear, I
removed the capsule pin and hit the plunger with the back of my hand. It sprung
back and cut my knuckles slightly though the glove. The noise of the hatch report
was good and loud but not uncomfortable.
In summary, my condition is excellent. I am in good shape; no problems
at all. The ASCS problems were the biggest I encountered on the flight.
Weightlessness was no problem. I think the fact that I could take over and show
that a pilot can control the capsule manually, using different control modes,
satisfied me most. The greatest dissatisfaction I think I feel was the fact that I did
not get to accomplish all the other things that I wanted to do. The ASCS problem
overrode everything else.
Document I-44
Document Title: Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Associate Administrator, NASA,
Memorandum for Robert R. Gilruth, Director, Manned Space Flight, NASA,
“Astronaut Activities,” 31 May 1962.
Source: Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History
Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington DC.