GI Joe Classic Collection Mercury Astronaut Blonde 11" Figure Kenner 1997 NRFP

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union made history with the successful launching of the world's first satellite, Sputnik 1. For Americans, the event was ominous. The Cold War was at its height and the military significance of Russians in space sent waves of apprehension rippling through the Free World. Scrambling to make up for lost time, the U.S. government created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and. Project Mercury. After a string of disheartening failures, the American program finally met with a measure of success. In January of 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham was launched in the same type of Mercury capsule and powered by the same type of Redstone rocket that would later be used for manned flights. Later, in May of that year, Alan Shepard was launched to achieve the first American suborbital flight. Meanwhile, the Russians had scored another impressive 'first' with the orbital flight of Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Despite the letdown of being again bested by the Soviets, the Americans persevered. Early Mercury successes provided just the encouragement the infant program needed. The mood of the nation was jubilant, spirits were buoyed and everyone seemed eager to go on. Newly-elected President John F. Kennedy was quick to respond, proclaiming that Americans would land on the moon within the decade. It was an ambitious goal, but clearly the race for space was on...and for Americans, it started with Project Mercury.

11 inches tall - 1/6 scale fully poseable G.I. Joe Mercury Astronaut Action Figure. - Figure includes; Helmet w/Com-link and Visor, Space suit w/patches and air hose connector, - Gloves, air hose, Ventilator, boots and dog tags. - Made by Hasbro in 1997 and long out of production. - Released as part of the G.I. Joe Classic Collection Series.

The box shows edge wear and scuffing. The box has never been opened.