Project Mercury 7 astronauts strapped into gyroscopes during training on January 01, 1961 (Footage by Getty Images)

Astronaut John Glenn removes his protective boots before entering the Friendship 7 space capsule.

U.S. President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson watch the launch of the Mercury Project Freedom 7 on television.

Astronaut John Glenn blasts off in the Friendship 7 space capsule.

Seven astronauts pose beside a model of the Mercury 7.

A large crowd in the main concourse of Grand Central Station watches the Friendship 7 launch on a large television screen.

Astronaut John Glenn wears a spacesuit as he rides in a space capsule.