Scott Carpenter: The Second American to Orbit the Planet
Early Life and Career
Scott Carpenter was born in Boulder, Colorado, on May 1, 1925. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1949 and became a naval aviator. In 1959, he was selected as one of the original seven astronauts for NASA’s Project Mercury, the first American space program.
Orbital Flight
On May 24, 1962, Carpenter became the second American to orbit the Earth, following John Glenn. He piloted the Aurora 7 capsule on a three-orbit mission that lasted nearly five hours. During his flight, Carpenter conducted several experiments and took photographs of the Earth’s surface.
Post-Flight Career
After his orbital flight, Carpenter became an aquanaut, spending 28 days living in the underwater habitat SEALAB II. He also worked as a movie consultant for space and ocean-themed films and wrote two novels and an autobiography.
Friendship with John Glenn
Carpenter and John Glenn were close friends and fellow astronauts. Glenn was the last surviving astronaut from NASA’s Project Mercury until his passing in 2016.
Legacy
Scott Carpenter died on October 10, 2013, at the age of 88, due to complications from a recent stroke. He is remembered as a pioneer in space exploration and an inspiration to future generations of astronauts.
Carpenter’s Reflections on His Flight
In his book “We Seven,” Carpenter wrote about his motivations for becoming an astronaut:
“I volunteered for a number of reasons,” he wrote. “One of these, quite frankly, was that I thought this was a chance for immortality. Pioneering in space was something I would willingly give my life for.”
Before his flight, Carpenter’s father sent him an encouraging letter, writing:
“Just a few words on the eve of your great adventure–the adventure for which you have trained yourself and have anticipated for so long–to let you know that we shall share it with you, vicariously.”
NASA’s Concerns
During Carpenter’s flight, NASA briefly thought that he had not survived. He landed 250 nautical miles from his target, and it took a Navy search plane 39 minutes to locate his capsule.
Carpenter’s Impact on Ocean Research
After his spaceflight, Carpenter became an advocate for ocean research and exploration. He spent 28 days living in the underwater habitat SEALAB II and helped to promote the understanding of the marine environment.
Carpenter’s Contributions to Film and Literature
Carpenter worked as a consultant on several space and ocean-themed films, including “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “The Abyss.” He also wrote two novels and an autobiography, sharing his experiences as an astronaut and aquanaut.
Recognition and Honors
Carpenter received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1985.