GI Joe Friendship VII Space Vehicle & Astronaut Figure Hasbro 2000 #57645 NRFB

On August 26, 1957, mankind entered into a new era...the Space Age. On that date, the Soviet Union announced it had launched Sputnik I, the first man-made satellite to be rocketed into Earth's orbit. This opening salvo of the Space Race was felt around the world, especially in the United States which now experienced the ultimate fear...possible communist attack from space!

With this new threat, and with the need to defend the country from attack, the United States tried to get its own space program off the ground in 1958 with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Working feverishly to 'catch up' with the Russians, the Americans embarked on one of the most ambitious goals ever set...launching a man into orbit and returning him safely to Earth. Called 'Project Mercury,' NASA underwent a grueling examination of the nation's best fighter pilots to select only those deemed worthy of becoming Mercury astronauts. In April 1959, an elite group of seven pilots were chosen: Jon H. Glenn, Jr., Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Scott Carpenter, L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom, Walter M. Schirra, Jr., and Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton. Named the 'Mercury Seven,' these men would make space exploration history, and like the explorers of centuries passed, bravely dared to venture into a realm of reality thought unattainable by mere mortals.

The success of the Mercury Program played a vital role in America's quest to conquer space and surpass its Soviet competitor. With Alan Shepard, the first American human to make a suborbital flight, and John Glenn, in Friendship VII, the first American to orbit the Earth, the United States eventually took the lead in the Space Race and never looked back. From Mercury sprang the Gemini Program and later the Apollo program, resulting in numerous successful Moon shots.

As the American space program advanced, so did its technological expertise and knowledge of the vast cavernous void that lies beyond Earth's protective atmosphere. Since the early days of the Mercury Program, American scientist have created a reusable space shuttle craft, developed a space defense shield to protect the country from a nuclear ballistic missile attack, and sent advanced communications satellites into Earth's orbit. This technology has made modern high-speed communications possible, and launched deep space probes to examine the solar system and outer reaches of the Milky Way galaxy.

For over forty years, the American spirit of adventure to travel in space has only gotten stronger and more determined. Through the courage and achievement of space pioneers, such as John Glenn in his Friendship VII, the unreachable heavens now lie within the palm of humanity.

GI Joe American Hero! - Equipment List: GI Joe astronaut figure, space suit with patches and air hose connectors, gloves, boots, ventilator with air hose, helmet with visor, dog tag with chain, space capsule - Astronaut Figure Included - Perfect for any G.I. Joe or history fan! - Ages 5 and Up

The box has some bending, creasing, scuffing and wear.