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Sigma 7

The Six Mercury Orbits of Walter M. Schirra, Jr.

Colin Burgess author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Springer International Publishing AG

Published:9th Jun '16

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Sigma 7 cover

Colin Burgess offers a comprehensive yet personal look at the 1962 orbital mission of Wally Schirra aboard the spacecraft Sigma 7, the first book about this popular pioneering astronaut which explores his entire life and accomplishments. This continues the Pioneers in Early Spaceflight series, the volumes of which form an excellent record of Project Mercury's pioneering early phase of the Space Age.  

Schirra’s pre-NASA life is examined, as well as his training as a NASA astronaut and for his Mercury MA-8 flight. The 6-orbit flight of Sigma 7 is fully covered from its origins through to the spacecraft’s safe recovery from the ocean after a highly successful Mercury mission. Schirra’s participation on the Gemini 6 and Apollo 7 missions is also told, but in brief, and the book also relates his post-NASA life and activities through to his passing in 2007. The Mercury Seven occupy a unique spot in the history of human spaceflight, and Schirra is atlast given his due as one of the contributing astronauts in this painstakingly researched book.

“This book includes an early biography for Schirra and details of the Sigma 7 spaceflight, with the events leading up to the flight and post-flight activities. The author includes many outstanding and interesting historical photographs, such as mission training, publicity photos of the Mercury astronauts, and visits with President John F. Kennedy. This book will make a great addition to the library of any enthusiasts interested in the history of the space program. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.” (J. Z. Kiss, Choice, Vol. 54 (5), January, 2017)

ISBN: 9783319279824

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

298 pages

1st ed. 2016