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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-shepard-first-american-space

Who became the first American in space?

Alan Shepard, aboard Freedom 7 in 1961.

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  1. John Glenn
  2. Neil Armstrong
  3. Alan Shepard ✔

Why: Alan Shepard flew Freedom 7 on May 5, 1961. His short Mercury flight went into space but did not circle Earth.

Huh, didn't know that: Shepard's flight lasted about 15 and a half minutes.

The dad joke
Shepard had a short commute, but the view was astronomical.
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References

Answer: Alan Shepard. Alan Shepard flew Freedom 7 on May 5, 1961. His short Mercury flight went into space but did not circle Earth.

  1. NASA, Alan Shepard Becomes the First American in Space www.nasa.gov/history/may-5-1961-alan-shepard-becomes-the-first-american-in-space
    Alan B. Shepard became the first American in space during a suborbital flight
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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