At this time within the historical past of astronomy, the primary American in orbit is born.
John Glenn at age 77, earlier than his mission because the oldest particular person in area. Credit score: NASA.
- John Glenn was the primary American to orbit Earth.
- He flew fight missions in WWII and the Korean Warfare.
- He later served as a U.S. Senator.
- At age 77, he turned the oldest particular person in area.
Born on July 18, 1921, John Glenn grew up in Ohio and joined the Marine Corps in 1943. He flew 59 fight missions in World Warfare II and 63 within the Korean Warfare earlier than being chosen by NASA for the Mercury program. In 1962, he spent 5 hours orbiting the Earth within the Friendship 7 capsule – the primary American in orbit. After retiring from NASA, he served as a senator for 25 years, after which in 1998 turned the oldest particular person in area when he returned on an area shuttle mission on the age of 77. Glenn had lobbied for the seat on the mission after considering the similarities between the growing old course of and the bodily results astronauts noticed after area journey. In the course of the flight, Glenn provided information on brainwaves, coronary heart charge, and temperature, in addition to urine and blood exams.
