# AC317 - 08/13/1963 USA, Astronaut Gordon Cooper 'Comes Back Home'
Cover Commemorates Astronaut's Successful Flight
On May 15, 1963, Gordon Cooper climbed aboard the Faith 7 spacecraft and was launched into space in what would be the last Mercury mission. During the flight, Cooper orbited the Earth 22 times and spent more time in space than all five previous Mercury astronauts combined. After more than 34 hours in space, he splashed down safely in the ocean. This cover celebrates the safe return from Cooper's historic space flight.
Cover Commemorates Astronaut's Successful Flight
On May 15, 1963, Gordon Cooper climbed aboard the Faith 7 spacecraft and was launched into space in what would be the last Mercury mission. During the flight, Cooper orbited the Earth 22 times and spent more time in space than all five previous Mercury astronauts combined. After more than 34 hours in space, he splashed down safely in the ocean. This cover celebrates the safe return from Cooper's historic space flight.