Little Joe 5B was the last unmanned "Launch Escape System" (LES) test of the Mercury spacecraft. The mission used production Mercury spacecraft #14A. The mission was
launched April 28, 1961 from Wallops Island, Virginia.
The Little Joe 2B flew to an apogee of 2.8 miles (4.5 km)and a range of 9 miles (14 km). The mission lasted 5 minutes 25 seconds. Maximum speed was 1,780 mph (2865 km/h)
and acceleration was 10 g (98 m/s²). The mission was asuccess and Mercury spacecraft #14A was recovered.
Mercury spacecraft #14A is currently displayed at the Virginia Air and Space Center, Hampton, VA.
