Gus Grissom and Milt Thompson with Paresev, California, USA, 1962. Creator: NASA

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Gus Grissom and Milt Thompson with Paresev, California, USA, 1962. Creator: NASA

Gus Grissom and Milt Thompson with Paresev, California, USA, 1962. Mercury astronaut Gus Grissom (L) and NASA test pilot Milton Thompson with Paraglider Research Vehicle 1-A at Rogers Dry Lakebed at the NASA Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base. The Paresev evaluated a potential replacement for parachutes used on spacecraft. It was steerable and was evaluated for use on the Gemini spacecraft. The idea was not workable, however

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Media ID 24044931

© Heritage Space/Heritage Images

Air Force Base Air Transport Aircraft Astronaut Astronauts Aviation Aviator Aviators Bomber Jacket Edwards Air Force Base Engineer Engineering Exploration Flight Flying Flying Suit Heritage Space Nasa Naval Officer Pilot Pilots Prototype Space Space Exploration Space Travel Naval Warfare Paraglider

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> Arts > Portraits > Black and white portraits > Fine art portraits

> North America > United States of America > California > Related Images

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of space exploration. Taken in 1962 at Rogers Dry Lakebed, California, it features Mercury astronaut Gus Grissom and NASA test pilot Milton Thompson alongside the Paraglider Research Vehicle 1-A, also known as Paresev. This innovative aircraft was developed by NASA to evaluate its potential as a replacement for traditional parachutes used on spacecraft. The image showcases Grissom and Thompson standing proudly next to the Paresev, wearing their distinctive bomber jackets. Their determined expressions reflect their dedication to pushing the boundaries of aviation and engineering during this era of intense scientific exploration. At Edwards Air Force Base's NASA Flight Research Center, these two pioneers tested the steerable Paresev for possible integration into future Gemini spacecraft missions. However, despite its promising concept, further evaluation revealed that this idea was not feasible for practical use. Nevertheless, this photograph stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of challenges encountered during space travel research. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come since those early days of flight experimentation. Preserved by Heritage Images from NASA's archives, this snapshot offers us a glimpse into an important chapter in American aerospace history—a time when brave men like Gus Grissom and Milt Thompson fearlessly pushed boundaries to pave the way for future generations' journeys beyond Earth's atmosphere.

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