The escape mechanism of the Project Mercury manned orbital capsule is tested at the NASA Pilotless Research Station at Wallops Island, Va. The mechanism is in the tripod arrangement on top of a full-scale "boilerplate" model of the capsule which weighs about 1 ton. In this test, the escape rockets lifted the capsule to 2,250 feet where the tripod was ejected and a parachute lowered the capsule to the water where it was recovered by helicopter.

Scientists at the Langley Research Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration conducted water-landing tests of wooden mockups of a capsule concept proposed to carry a man in space beyond the Earth's atmosphere. These devices-preliminary experimental vehicles-illustrate possible ways to carry man into space. The capsule, which would contain protective shielding against heat and radiation, will carry instruments and communications gear, control rockets, a pressure capsule for living quarters, a parachute and other survival equipment.

A technician performs center of gravity tests on this one-fourth scale model capsule which will be used to determine static stability in the development testing program for Project Mercury. This model, made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, weighs 33 pounds.

Artist's conception shows tests being conducted on the escape system for Project Mercury capsule. In case of an abort during staging, the rocket on top of the capsule will be fired, taking the capsule and its occupant to a safe altitude where recovery parachutes will be deployed.

An artist's conception showing the separation of the Mercury manned capsule in the foreground from the Atlas booster which lifted it into orbit. After a short time, the greater drag on the booster shell will cause it to fall back and burn as it reenters the denser air of the atmosphere.