COUNTDOWN AND PROCEDURES FOR PROJECT MERCURY FLIGHT MR-2 (CHIMPANZEE SUBJECT)
Abstract
This report presents a countdown in abbreviated form with detailed procedure sheets necessary to define specific actions. These actions are necessary to ready a chimpanzee subject and couch for flight in the Project Mercury capsule and the post-flight release and care of the subject. The countdown and procedure not only describe the mechanics of preparing the subject and couch for flight, but also include a plan for obtaining a maximum of useful research data. Thus the biomedical adequacy of the Project Mercury capsule and a verification of ground, flight and recovery procedures could be determined, and the chimpanzees' physiology, biochemistry and psychomotor performance could be studied. During the preliminary phases of the Project Mercury Animal Support program, chimpanzees were subjected to temperature-humidity tests, psychomotor training, and acceleration-deceleration studies on a centrifuge and deceleration tracks. Considerable knowledge of the chimpanzees' physiology and behavior and invaluable experience in the use of Project Mercury hardware was gained during these exercises. The first drafts of this report were based on the above experiences. The final copy was updated from the experiences gained during dry runs and the actual MR-2 flight. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0261652
Entities
People
- Norman E. Stingely