This file photo shows astronaut John Glenn, Jr., as he enters the Mercury spacecraft "Friendship 7" prior to launch on February 20, 1962. Forty years ago, Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in this spacecraft. Glenn is one of America's seven original astronauts. Now located in the 'Milestones of Flight' gallery at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum, the capsule is one of the museum's most popular attractions.
John Glenn, a Great American Life in Photos
