The Explorers' Club, № DCCXCVI

Operation AXIOM: The Space Race—The 60th Anniversary of Mercury-Redstone 2
31 January 1961: Mercury 2 lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, carrying Ham the Astrochimp (1957-1983, A.K.A. № 65) aboard an unnamed Mercury capsule atop a Redstone rocket; Ham's Redstone flew at a higher angle & greater velocity than planned; Ham splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean sixty miles beyond the recovery zone & was recovered by the U.S.S. Donner.

Commentary: Ham, the first hominid in space, was officially known as Chimp № 65 until he was recovered from his Mercury capsule; N.A.S.A. apparently thought it would be bad for public relations if a named chimpanze died, but that the blow would less severe is the animal only had a number. Prior to the flight, № 65 was informally known as "Chang" or "Chop Chop Chang." After his retirement, Ham lived at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. & the North Carolina Zoo. There were plans to have Ham's body stuffed & displayed at the Smithsonian after his death, but this was considered gauche & he was given a dignified burial at the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

Bonus! Song o' Mercury-Redstone 2
MxPx, "Major Tom (Coming Home)" from On the Cover II (Space Cadet Mike Papa Whiskey)

Semper exploro.