February 5

 

An alternate take of the famous Mercury Seven spacesuit shot. The biggest differences between this one and the famous version are probably the expressions of Alan Shepard (back row, left) and John Glenn (front row, second from left). 

These group shots are rare and very valuable: According to many space historians, only one picture exists of the Original 7 in their spacesuits together. The above photo - and several more that I'll be posting in the near future - prove them wrong. 

Front row, L-R: Wally Schirra, Deke Slayton, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter. Back row, L-R: Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, Gordo Cooper.

(Photo: Ralph Morse)

January 29

John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, hamming it up after a press conference in 1961.
The LIFE caption is vague, but I believe this was the press conference that announced Glenn as the pilot of MA-5, with Carpenter as his backup.
(Photo: Ralph Morse)

January 19

 

John Glenn, trying on his Mercury suit.

Unfortunately, I don't know the names of the people with him. Anybody out there know?

(Photo: Ralph Morse)

January 15

Alternate take of the September 1959 Mercury Seven LIFE cover.

(Photo: Ralph Morse)

January 13

The first three Americans in space, dressed in desert survival gear in Nevada. From left to right: John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Alan Shepard.

(Photo: Ralph Morse)

January 10

The first seven astronauts pose beside a mockup of a Mercury spacecraft at the McDonnell plant in St. Louis, May 1959.

January 1

Two men watch John Glenn drive around in a toy car.

Clearly, they are jealous.

(Photo: Ralph Morse)