Mercury MA-3

USA

Also called: Mercury-Atlas 3

Launch & landing data:

Designation F00146 / 61F03
Launch date - time 25 Apr 1961 - 16:15 UT
Launch site CC, LC14
Launch vehicle  Atlas-D Mercury(#100D)
Payload Mercury SC8
Mass (kg) 
Suborbital flight:
   - Altitude 4.5 statute miles
Distance 0 statute miles
Velocity 1,177 mph
Max Q 880 psf
Max G 11
Landing date - time 25 Apr 1961
Landing location Atlantic
Prime recovery ship USS Donner (LSD 20)
Cabine recoved by helicopter
Flight Duration (d:hr:min) 7 min, 19 sec
Nbr orbits -

Mission Objective:

Quick test of Spacecraft/Atlas orbit

Landing:

The Mercury spacecraft was recovered off shore.

Mission Highlights:

1e Mercury orbital flight
Mission listed as a failure. 40 seconds after the Atlas left the pad, the vehicle was destroyed by the Range Safety Officer. The mercury spacecraft seperated and was recovered.

Astrophilately covers:

Mercury capsule test, Launch cancel Port Canaveral.
(Goldey cover)

MA-3 Launch cancel Port Canaveral

Recovery cancel Patrick Air Force Base.
Credit all covers: R403

Ref.: #6b, #7, #403 - update: 23.07.19 Home