A three-year-old chimpanzee named Ham became the first primate in space in 1961, marking a significant step towards manned spaceflight. Ten months later, five-year-old Enos followed, paving the way for John Glenn's historic journey. The space chimps' achievements garnered international attention, but their story was largely forgotten after their services were no longer needed. However, their journey continued, revealing both triumphs and tragedies, and shedding light on the previously unknown account of how the colony was rewarded for their dedication to NASA, the Air Force, and the United States.
One Small Step: The Story of the Space Chimps
In 1961, a three-year-old chimpanzee named Ham launched into outer space, marking a significant milestone in the US's journey to manned spaceflight.
