Topps Astronaut Trading Card, "Glenn in Space," 1963

Artifact Overview

President John F. Kennedy's vision to explore the "new frontier" of space ignited the public's imagination. Pictorial souvenir cards like this helped generate excitement about the latest achievements in the space program. The U.S. astronauts and their accomplishments dominate the card fronts, while the backs show drawings that blend elements of science fiction and fantasy-requiring 3-D glasses to view.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Collecting card

Date Made

1963

Subject Date

1962

Creators

Creator Notes

Trading card for Topps Chewing Gum, Incorporated. Image used credited to NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Collection Title

Research Center Collection on President John F. Kennedy

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2013.55.11

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard

Technique

Photomechanical processes

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 in
Width: 2.5 in

Inscriptions

Text on front: 45 / GLENN IN SPACE After waiting for al / most 5 hours in his / spacecraft, Astronaut / Glenn was sent into / space on February 20, 1962. Partial text on back: FRYING AN EGG ON MERCURY Text on back of card: Front Photo Courtesy NASA

Keywords	United States, Florida, Cape Canaveral Collecting cards Astronauts Glenn, John, 1921-2016 United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Project Mercury (U.S.) Space flight Launch vehicles Space race