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Able

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description Able Overview

Able was a rhesus macaque born at the Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Kansas who became one of the first primates to survive a spaceflight. On May 28, 1959, Able and a squirrel monkey named Miss Baker were launched into suborbital space aboard a Jupiter AM-18 rocket by the United States. The successful recovery of both animals provided crucial data on the biological effects of space travel. Unfortunately, Able died a few days after the mission due to complications from a medical procedure to remove an infected electrode.

help Able FAQ

When did the monkey named Able go to space?

Able, a rhesus macaque, was launched into space on May 28, 1959. She traveled alongside a squirrel monkey named Miss Baker aboard a Jupiter AM-18 rocket launched by the United States.

Did the monkey Able survive her spaceflight?

Able successfully survived the actual suborbital spaceflight and was recovered alive. However, she died a few days later on June 1, 1959, due to complications from an anesthetic during a minor medical procedure.

Where was the monkey Able born?

Before her historic flight for the United States space program, Able was born and raised at the Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence, Kansas. She was specifically purchased by the Air Force for the Jupiter mission.

Where is Able the space monkey displayed today?

Able's body was preserved by taxidermists following her death in 1959. She is currently on public display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

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