Film Lens
The film chronicles the historic launch of Ham, a young chimpanzee, on January 31, 1961, as part of NASA's efforts to send a human into space. It details the intense preparations by hundreds of engineers and the uncertainty surrounding Ham's survival as he sits atop a mercury rocket. The narrative also covers Ham's origins in the jungles of Central Africa and the impact of the Soviet Union's successful satellite launch on America's space ambitions.
Through personal accounts, including those of Jeff, a private in the US Air Force, the film illustrates the urgency felt by American officials to catch up in the space race. Ham's flight not only paved the way for human space travel but also changed perceptions of chimpanzees, leading to increased awareness of their intelligence and sensitivity.
Why Watch
- •See Ham's launch into space on January 31, 1961.
- •Meet Jeff, a private in the US Air Force during the space race.
- •Find out how Ham changed perceptions of chimpanzees.
Did You Know
•Ham was four years old when he was launched into space.
•The temperature in Ham's cockpit reached over 140 degrees.
•Ham's flight led to 250 improvements in space travel technology.
•Ham died of old age 21 years after his historic flight.
Perfect For
Space explorationAnimal intelligenceCold War history