Liberty Bell 7: Gus Grissom's Capsule Lost at Sea

Liberty Bell 7 is the capsule used in the United States' second attempt to send a human into space (Mercury-Redstone 4). On July 21, 1961, Gus Grissom successfully became the second American in space. Shortly after landing in the Atlantic, Liberty Bell 7's explosive hatch blew prematurely, allowing water to enter the craft. Grissom exited quickly and floated, waiting to be rescued. Meanwhile, helicopters were unable to retrieve the now water-filled craft. Gus was successfully rescued, but Liberty Bell 7 would be lost at sea for the next thirty-eight years.

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