Page 6 - Cal Shepard News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

>> as we develop the spacecraft, almost everything we do deals with the risky side of the business. we recognize we can get killed flying spacecraft like we can get killed flying t-33s or t-38s or driving my corvette. it's just one of the facts of life for everyone. but we have a job that's very fascinating and it's worth the risk. >> al shepard was a natural leader. he got the first ride into space. >> the shirley temple program usually seen at this time will not be presented in order that we may bring you the following special broadcast. >> within the next few days from this guarded wastelan...

>> mrs. shepard, can you tell us what are your feelings on this stupendous occasion? >> oh, i don't think i have to tell, do i? i'm so happy. it was beautiful, i thought. >> the gagarin flight was a 10. al shepard's flight was a 1 or a 2. okay? in terms of the capability that it demonstrated. so russians clearly were ahead of us so the attitude is we would like to do something really big but small enough to accomplish it. >> i believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before this decade is out of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. no sing...

Way to the elevator. applause from the 120 or so people. and now astronaut shepard ascends the gantry crane. in a few moments he'll be placed in the capsule. >> t minus ten, nine, eight seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, zero, ignition. liftoff. liftoff. >> lift-off, and the clock has started. all systems are go. >> some lawmakers want to award the medal of honor to shepard. all today appeared ready to spend more money on our space effort. all agreed russia is still ahead. but all this was beside the point for the wife of the first american astronaut. mrs. alan shepard at virginia beach,...

All this was beside the point. mrs. alan shepard heard the news with relief. what are your thoughts? >> i don't have to tell you, do i? i'm so happy. >> the flight was a ten, al shepard's flight was a one or two, okay, in terms of the capability that it demonstrated. so russians clearly were ahead of us so the attitude is we would like to do something really big but small enough to accomplish it. >> i believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before this decade is out of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. no single space project in this p...

Report during a very violent and dangerous activity. >> as we develop the spacecraft, almost everything we do deals with the risky side of the business. we recognize we can get killed flying spacecraft or t-33 or t-38s or driving my corvette. we have a job that's fascinating and worth the risk. >> al shepard was a natural leader. he got the first ride into space. >> the shirley temple program usually seen at this time will not be presented to bring you the following special broadcast. >> within the next few days, the first american will be launched into space. he will not go into orbit but he ...