Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Atlas 109D Launch Vehicle Umbilical Disconnect
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.

Atlas 109D Launch Vehicle Umbilical Disconnect

Artifact IDMO 63.1917.1
Object Type Category 6: Tools & Equipment for Communication
Date 1960-1962
Gifter
Medium Lucite, metal
DimensionsOverall H 11 in x W 4 in x D 4 in (27.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionUmbilical disconnect from the Mercury-Atlas 109D launch vehicle encased in Lucite, which launched Friendship7, the first US manned orbital flight by John Glenn on February 20, 1962. Underneath the disconnect on top of the wooden base is the symbol for the planet Mercury. The front of the base iscribed: "First Mercury Manned Orbital Flight / 20 February 1962" plate on wooden base reads: "Umbilical Disconnect / Last link between Earth / and / John H. Glenn. Jr.'s Atlas Booster / At Liftoff"
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view