May 5 in American History

May 5, 1961 — Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space

Alan Shepard rode the Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming the first American in space — three weeks after the Soviets got there first. Days later, President Kennedy used the momentum to commit the nation to landing a man on the Moon. A short hop that launched a decade-long sprint.

Common Questions

What happened on May 5 in American history?

In 1961: Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space. Alan Shepard rode the Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming the first American in space — three weeks after the Soviets got there first.

Why is May 5 significant?

Alan Shepard rode the Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight, becoming the first American in space — three weeks after the Soviets got there first. Days later, President Kennedy used the momentum to commit the nation to landing a man on the Moon. A short hop that launched a decade-long sprint.

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