The above issue of POPULAR MECHANICS featured a story about a high altitude parachute jump. The chilling words of the article began: "Can a man fall out of the sky and live to tell about it? Will he freeze to death on the way to earth? Or will aerodynamic heating literally cook him? Will his space suit provide the squeeze he needs to stay alive in air where the pressure is less than one pound per square inch? Falling freely, will he spin so fast his heart will go dry? Will his chute rip to pieces when it opens at low altitude?

When NASA's program to put men in space initiated, these same questions remained with regard to protecting astronauts and spacecraft from the harsh environment of outer space. Through a gradual test-prone sequence of flights and unmanned tests, answers to every question were forthcoming.

---

RETURN TO SPACE MUSEUM HOME PAGE

---

SPACE EDUCATORS' HANDBOOK HOME PAGE

SCIENCE FICTION SPACE TECHNOLOGY HOME PAGE

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The content of this page complies with Section 508, handicapped accessibility requirements, for information technology.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Last modified: Wednesday, 30-Nov-04 09:15:00 PM CDT
Author: Jerry Woodfill / NASA, Mail Code ER7, jared.woodfill1@jsc.nasa.gov
Curator: Cecilia Breigh, NASA JSC ER7
Responsible Official: Andre Sylvester, NASA JSC ER7
Automation, Robotics and Simulation Division, Walter W. Guy, Chief.