Missile Atlas 52D Test code named Chain Smoke ready for launch by the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from pad 576 B-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California The missile takes off and begins its flight upward. At TC:01:49 some white smoke emanates from the missile and it is seen to be burning. A moment later it explodes in a huge fireball with pieces ejected trailing white smoke. The camera tracks the largest piece as it falls and crashes behind a ridge at the shoreline (likely into the water). Various vehicles are seen along fence line at secure area set back from the shoreline. (Note: The booster gas generator experienced a leak which resulted in high thrust section temperatures and eventual propulsion system failure. The sustainer and verniers shut down 49 seconds into launch, followed by the booster engines at 68 seconds. The missile destroyed itself at 72 seconds.)
NASA Project Mercury candidate Major Hal W. Christian Jr., USAF undergoes physical testing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Doctors measure candidate's pulse and blood pressure before he undergoes a test on the Tilt Table which is visible on the right hand side of the photo.
NASA Project Mercury candidate Captain James W. Wood, USAF, undergoes psychological and stress test at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Doctors measure candidate's pulse and blood pressure before and after a "Flack" test. The subject must blow continuously into a tube to maintain a column of mercury at a specified level for as long as possible.
NASA Project Mercury astronaut candidate James W. Wood undergoes test on a Tilt Table at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Astronaut lies on steeply inclined table for 25 minutes. This test is conducted to measure ability of the heart to compensate for body in an unusual position for an extended time. Doctor examines the patient. This test is preceded by the Harvard Step test in which a candidate must step rapidly up and down on a 20-inch step for 5 minutes.
NASA Project Mercury astronaut candidate Captain Archie T. Iddings, USAF, undergoes Harvard-Step and Tilt Table tests at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Astronaut candidate steps up on a raised board. Subject lies on steeply inclined table. The test conducted to measure ability of the heart to compensate for body in an unusual position for an extended time.
NASA Project Mercury astronaut candidate Major Hal Christian, USAF, undergoes an equilibrium and vibration test at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Subject seated on a chair which rotates simultaneously on two axes. He maintains the chair on an even keel by means of a control stick with and without vibration, normally and blindfolded.
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