Chimpanzee Facts: Uncovering the Fascinating History of Ham, the First Great Ape to Go to Space

The year was 1959 when the United States Air Force set out to launch a chimpanzee into space. This mission marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, and it all began with a young chimp named Ham. But before we dive into his incredible journey, let's take a step back and explore some fascinating facts about Ham and his remarkable achievements.

Training for Space

Ham was trained at Holloman Air Force Base Aero-Medical Field Laboratory under the direction of neuroscientist Joseph V. Brady. His training began in July 1959, when he was just two years old. During this time, Ham learned to perform simple tasks in response to electric lights and sounds. He even learned to push a lever within five seconds of seeing a flashing blue light - a task that earned him a banana pellet as a reward.

The Mission

Ham's mission, dubbed Mercury-Redstone 2, launched on January 31, 1961. The goal was to send Ham into space for a short period, testing the capabilities of the spacecraft and its occupants. But before we get to that, let's talk about how Ham got his name.

Naming Ham

It's said that officials didn't want the bad press that would come from the death of a 'named' chimpanzee if the mission were to fail. Therefore, Ham was initially known as No. 65 and only renamed upon his successful return to Earth.

The Launch

On January 31, 1961, Ham blasted off into space, becoming the first great ape to do so. His trainer, Joseph V. Brady, accompanied him on this historic journey. Ham's flight lasted for about six minutes, reaching an altitude of approximately 155 miles above the Earth's surface.

Aftermath

After evaluation, Ham was found to be in good health and even performed some surprising tasks during his time in space. His successful mission paved the way for future human astronauts and cemented Ham's place as a pioneer in the field of space exploration.

Ham, the chimpanzee who went to space, left an indelible mark on the history of space travel. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of training, determination, and the boundless potential of even the smallest creatures. As we continue to explore the vastness of space, let's not forget the incredible achievements of Ham, the first great ape to venture into the unknown.

Chimpanzee facts