“Why don't you just fix your little problem and light this candle.” 65 years ago today, Navy test pilot and NASA astronaut Alan Shepard launched on a Mercury-Redstone rocket, becoming the first American in space. Fifteen minutes and one suborbital spaceflight later, he splashed down in the Atlantic. Shepard’s flight was a triumph. The spacesuit Shepard wore on the flight, as well as his Mercury "Freedom 7" capsule, are in the Museum's collection. Both are on display in the “Destination Moon” gallery at our Museum on the National Mall. #AirSpacePhoto