John Glenn was 77 years old when he last went to space in 1998.
John Glenn, a pivotal figure in American space exploration and politics, had a remarkable career that spanned decades. Initially renowned as one of the "Mercury Seven" astronauts, he achieved significant milestones in the early days of human spaceflight.
His journey into space began much earlier than his final flight. In 1962, he made history as the third American in space and the first American to orbit the Earth, circling it three times aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft. This groundbreaking mission solidified his place as a national hero.
Following his tenure at NASA, Glenn transitioned into a distinguished political career, serving as a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1974 to 1999. It was during his time in the Senate that he made his historic return to space.
His Historic Return to Space
In 1998, at the remarkable age of 77, John Glenn flew into space for the second and final time. He was a payload specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-95 mission. This mission made him the oldest person to fly in space at the time, a record he held until 2021. His participation in the mission aimed to study the effects of spaceflight on the elderly, providing valuable data for gerontology research and demonstrating that age need not be a barrier to remarkable achievements.
John Glenn's Spaceflight Overview
| Mission Name | Year | Spacecraft | Role | Age (approx.) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship 7 | 1962 | Mercury Capsule | Pilot | 40 | First American to orbit Earth |
| STS-95 (Discovery) | 1998 | Space Shuttle | Payload Specialist | 77 | Oldest person in space at the time; his last flight |
For more detailed information on John Glenn's life and career, you can refer to his Wikipedia page.
