Mercury Seven astronaut Scott Carpenter dies at 88

[Doomsday101]

(CNN) -- Astronaut Scott Carpenter, the second American to orbit Earth, has died, NASA said on Thursday. He was 88.

"We, the whole NASA family, are mourning with Scott's family. We have lost a true pioneer. I shall long remember him not only for his smarts and courage but his incredible humor. He kept us all grounded," said NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden. "We will miss him greatly."

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/us/scott-carpenter-dead/index.html

 

[Phoenix]

So I guess NASA just went from 97% to 98% shutdown...

In all seriousness though, RIP to an American hero

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Carpenter was a USN Naval Aviator, a Korean War Vet, Test Pilot, An Astronaut, an Aquanaut and a Boy Scout.

A good lifes work I would say.

RIP Malcolm Scott Carpenter

 

[burmafrd]

John Glenn is the last man standing of the Mercury Seven. Wonder what he is thinking now? Not sure that is such a great honor- everyone you knew way back is gone.

 

[ologan]

John Glenn is the last man standing of the Mercury Seven. Wonder what he is thinking now? Not sure that is such a great honor- everyone you knew way back is gone.

It seems like it would be a great honor if you valued being alive.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

My middle name was given to me by him and his bravery... and I've carried around "Scott" proudly ever since.

 

[DallasCowpoke]

John Glenn pays tribute to late space pioneer: 'Godspeed, Scott Carpenter'

Fitting tribute.

R.I.P. Commander

 

[CliffnDallas]

(CNN) -- Astronaut Scott Carpenter, the second American to orbit Earth, has died, NASA said on Thursday. He was 88.

"We, the whole NASA family, are mourning with Scott's family. We have lost a true pioneer. I shall long remember him not only for his smarts and courage but his incredible humor. He kept us all grounded," said NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden. "We will miss him greatly."

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/us/scott-carpenter-dead/index.html

"High Flight"

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.