Spectators looking through binoculars and telescopes, eagerly awaiting Mercury Atlas 6 launch / television camera crews covering the event / banner saying, 'The Voice of America' / sign for ABC Radio News / Mercury rocket is launched...

CU astronaut (John Glenn) in spacesuit sitting in Friendship 7 space capsule during the Mercury 6 mission / Mercury 6 rocket ascending in sky as John Glenn is first American in orbit / people on beach watching John Glenn's blast-off and...

Project Mercury astronaut John Glenn as seen from onboard camera, Mercury Control Center tracking chart and countdown clock. Astronaut John Glenn in Project Mercury capsule on February 20, 1962 in Space (Footage by Getty Images)

Astronaut John Glenn waves to the crowd before entering the elevator to the Friendship 7.

Project Mercury Atlas 6 mission / NASA mission control, countdown clock / Atlas 6 rocket lift-off carrying astronaut John Glenn, who became the first American to orbit the Earth. Project Mercury Atlas 6 lift off on February 20, 1962 in...

Project Mercury astronaut John Glenn enters the Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6) Friendship 7 spacecraft wearing the full pressure suit and helmet / McDonnell Aircraft Corporation technicians assist. Project Mercury Atlas 6 Mission pre-flight...

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

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

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.