John Glenn

John Glenn was an American astronaut and senator. He was born in Cambridge, Ohio, in 1921. In 1962, he became the first American to orbit Earth. In 1998, at age 77, he returned to space as the oldest person ever to do so.

Early Life

Glenn was a Marine Corps pilot who flew in World War II and the Korean War. He was a skilled test pilot. He was chosen as one of NASA's original seven Mercury astronauts. He was known for his courage and calm under pressure.

The handwritten signature of astronaut John Glenn.
The handwritten signature of astronaut John Glenn. (Knsksnsosnsknsk8888 / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Glenn orbited Earth three times on February 20, 1962, aboard Friendship 7. He became a national hero. He later served as a U.S. senator from Ohio for 24 years. In 1998, at age 77, he returned to space on the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Fun Facts

  • Glenn orbited Earth three times in less than five hours.
  • He was a U.S. senator for 24 years.
  • At age 77, he became the oldest person to fly in space.

Did You Know?

Before Glenn's flight, Katherine Johnson personally checked the computer calculations for his orbit. Glenn refused to fly until she confirmed the numbers were correct. He trusted her math more than the computers.