The Mission
1959 – Captured in Cameroon
Ham was captured in the French Cameroons by animal trappers. He was brought to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for training.
1960 – Training Begins
Ham was trained at Holloman to push levers in response to electric lights during simulated space conditions.
January 31, 1961 – Launch
Ham was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard Mercury-Redstone 2. He experienced 6.6 minutes of weightlessness during the 16-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 157 miles.
1961 – Hero Returns
Ham splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean 422 miles from the launch site, only suffering a bruised nose. He became an instant celebrity and hero of the space program.
