Sigma 7: The Six Mercury Orbits of Walter M. Schirra, Jr. (Pioneers in Early Spaceflight)

Description

Colin Burgess offers a comprehensive yet personal look at the 1962 orbital mission of Wally Schirra aboard the spacecraft Sigma 7, the first book about this popular pioneering astronaut which explores his entire life and accomplishments. This continues the Pioneers in Early Spaceflight series, the volumes of which form an excellent record of Project Mercury's pioneering early phase of the Space Age. Schirra’s pre-NASA life is examined, as well as his training as a NASA astronaut and for his Mercury MA-8 flight. The 6-orbit flight of Sigma 7 is fully covered from its origins through to the spacecraft’s safe recovery from the ocean after a highly successful Mercury mission. Schirra’s participation on the Gemini 6 and Apollo 7 missions is also told, but in brief, and the book also relates his post-NASA life and activities through to his passing in 2007. The Mercury Seven occupy a unique spot in the history of human spaceflight, and Schirra is at last given his due as one of the contributing astronauts in this painstakingly researched book. Review: Excellent story of an excellent astronaut... - Excellent story of one of the giants in the golden age of space exploration. Wally Schirra was the only man to fly all three projects...Mercury, Gemini, an Apollo. All three of Schirra's flights, Sigma 7, Gemini 6, and Apollo7, were known for his expertise and precision flying. After Apollo 1, Schirra was the man to get Apollo back on track to the moon. It would not have happened without Schirra and Apollo7. I must also say that my father helped launch Apollo 7, and was in the blockhouse at Pad 34 where his team fueled the first stage of the Saturn 1B. All in all a fine read about a fine American! Review: My grandson applied info for part of book. My ... - My grandson applied info for part of book. My husband retired from the Space Program, Management.. Very interesting Book !