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Gus Grissom, the Astronaut Who Almost Drowned
Liberty Bell 7's Sinking
On July 21, 1961, astronaut Gus Grissom embarked on the second manned suborbital flight of Project Mercury. Dubbed Liberty Bell 7, Grissom's capsule successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean after completing its mission.
However, disaster struck shortly after splashdown. The escape hatch prematurely blew off, causing the capsule to fill with water and sink rapidly. Grissom found himself trapped inside, struggling to stay afloat. He eventually managed to escape the sinking capsule and was rescued by a helicopter.
The Cause of the Incident
An investigation into the incident revealed that Grissom had inadvertently detonated the escape hatch by activating a backup explosive device intended to be used in case of an emergency. This tragic error almost cost Grissom his life and raised serious concerns about the safety of the Mercury space program.
The sinking of Liberty Bell 7 became a defining moment in Grissom's career and a somber reminder of the dangers associated with space exploration.
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