Max "q" escape test.
Launched "Miss Sam" on JAN 21 1960,at 9.23 am.
(Recovered and flown straight back to wallops.) This is definately LJ1B. Documentation obtained By Bill Spadafora from the archives in Texas confirm this.
2 pollux motors, plust two empty cases, and 4 Recruits. Escape motor fired with capsule seperation at 36.500ft, Max altitude aprox 48,900ft (just over 9 miles), And MACH 2.7 (2000 MPH).
Note the first use of the Aerodynamic wedge at the base of the tower. Three-quarter orange on booster transition, and orange on lower capsule does not go as far as the junction with the corrugated inconel. Also note hoops painted up tower legs/cross bracing, and also on the probes.
This capsule was recovered in such good condition it was subsequently refurbished
for the MR-BD flight on MAR.24.1961.
I include these three images as LJ1B on the grounds that LJ2 was dismantled
aboard the U.S.S. Borie to remove "SAM". LJ1B capsule was flown straight back
to Wallops to remove "Miss SAM".
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If further details are required please contact me. peter.mcquillan@virgin.net