The Beach Abort Test was to demonstrate the capabilities of the escape system, parachute system, and other landing equipment during an off-the-pad abort. No booster was used. The escape system was fired and landed 1,000 yards from the stand. The spacecraft was recovered by a HUS helo 20 minutes after lift off and returned to Wallops Island. All objectives achieved. This was the first test using the McDonnell Aircraft Corp. Mercury spacecraft. All previous test had used boiler plate capsules. (Extracted from the book "PROJECT MERCURY ...one step into space" by Donald O. Schultz)
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| Beach Abort Test launch cover with Goldcraft cachet, postmarked Wallops Island, May 9, 1960. |
