posted on Oct, 4 2004 @ 09:10 PM
Gordon Cooper, NASA Mercury pioneer, dies
VENTURA, Calif. (AP) � Gordon Cooper, one of the original Mercury astronauts who were pioneers in human space exploration, has died. He was 77. Cooper
died Monday at his home in Ventura, NASA officials said in a statement.
www.usatoday.com...
"As one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, Gordon Cooper was one of the faces of America's fledgling space program," said NASA Administrator
Sean O'Keefe. "He truly portrayed the right stuff, and he helped gain the backing and enthusiasm of the American public, so critical for the spirit
of exploration. My thoughts and prayers are with Gordon's family during this difficult time."
The space race was an important time in our history Cooper piloted the last flight in the Mercury mission. He will go down in history as a pioneer!
Not too many can say they lived like he did!