jockohomo: 1961 Fisheye view of Project Friendship astronaut John Glenn in mock space capsule; location unknown. (Photographer: Ralph Morse). John Glenn, the enduring face of America’s early space program, blasted off and into history 50 years ago today, kicking off NASA’s bid to catch up with the Russians in the Cold War space race.

jockohomo:

1961 Fisheye view of Project Friendship astronaut John Glenn in mock space capsule; location unknown. (Photographer: Ralph Morse). John Glenn, the enduring face of America’s early space program, blasted off and into history 50 years ago today, kicking off NASA’s bid to catch up with the Russians in the Cold War space race.