Preserving Space History. Inspiring Future Explorers.

A Historic Mercury Capsule. A Mission for the Future.

Go For Launch is restoring a rare 1962 Mercury capsule educational mockup and transforming it into an interactive exhibit. Through STEM education, exploration, and discovery, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators.

A Rare Artifact from America's Space Age

Built by McDonnell Aircraft in 1962, this educational mockup of a Mercury capsule was created during one of the most exciting periods in American history. One of only three known examples produced for public outreach, this capsule traveled the eastern third of the country as part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Freedom Bond campaign, helping introduce millions of Americans to the nation’s rapidly growing space program. Following its tour, the capsule was displayed at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, where visitors could experience firsthand the excitement and promise of the Space Age.

For many, exhibits like this offered their first glimpse into the technology, innovation, and courage that defined Project Mercury and America’s journey beyond Earth. Today, this historic artifact represents far more than a display piece. It is a tangible connection to a moment when exploration, discovery, and national ambition captured the imagination of an entire generation

A Piece of American History

Constructed during the Mercury program era and displayed during major national events, the capsule helped tell the story of America's first human spaceflight missions and inspired public support for the future of space exploration.

A New Educational Mission

Go For Launch is restoring the capsule and transforming it into an interactive educational exhibit that allows visitors to experience the history, technology, and excitement of early spaceflight in a hands on way.

Inspiring Future Generations

By bringing the exhibit to schools, museums, libraries, community events, and educational institutions, we hope to inspire curiosity, encourage STEM learning, and help launch the next generation of explorers, innovators, and problem solvers.

The Steward of a New Mission

Engineering, Education, and Exploration

Mark Calhoun has dedicated his career to engineering, public service, and preserving history. With a degree in mechanical engineering, 11 years active duty in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, leadership roles in museum preservation, and a passion for aerospace history, he has spent decades helping others understand how innovation shapes our world.

Preserving a Historic Legacy

As Vice President and Board Member of the Johnsville Centrifuge and Science Museum, Mark recognized the importance of preserving artifacts that tell the story of America's early Space Age. His discovery of the historic 1962 Mercury capsule educational mockup sparked a vision to restore the exhibit and return it to public view.

Inspiring Future Generations

Through Go For Launch, Mark is leading an effort to transform the capsule into an interactive educational exhibit that connects students, educators, and communities to the history of Project Mercury, the achievements of John Glenn, and the future of human space exploration through NASA’s Project Artemis and beyond.

Taking America's Space Program on the Road

In May and June of 1962, the Mercury capsule began a nationwide journey as part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Freedom Bond Drive. Built by McDonnell Aircraft, the educational exhibit was designed to help Americans connect with the rapidly evolving space program during the height of the Space Race.

Mounted on a custom trailer and accompanied by an educational display, the capsule traveled from community to community, giving the public a rare opportunity to experience the excitement of Project Mercury firsthand. At a time when space exploration captured the nation’s imagination, the exhibit helped bring the story of America’s astronauts, engineers, and innovators directly to the people.

For many Americans, exhibits like this offered their first close-up look at the technology and ambition that defined the early Space Age. The Mercury capsule became more than a display—it became a symbol of exploration, innovation, and national pride.

Today, the Freedom Bond Drive represents an important chapter in the capsule’s remarkable history. The same artifact that once traveled the country inspiring support for America’s future now continues its educational mission through Go For Launch, connecting new generations with the pioneers who helped launch humanity into space.

Preserving History for Future Generations

Behind every historic artifact is someone committed to ensuring its story survives. For more than a decade, Mark Calhoun has dedicated countless hours to researching, restoring, transporting, and preserving this rare Mercury capsule educational exhibit.

What began as a personal passion for America’s space history evolved into a mission to protect an artifact that once introduced millions of Americans to the promise of space exploration. Through years of careful restoration, public exhibitions, and educational programming, Mark has helped transform the capsule into a powerful tool for learning and inspiration.

Today, the exhibit continues to connect visitors with the innovation, courage, and imagination that defined the Space Age. By preserving this remarkable piece of history, Go For Launch helps ensure that the story of exploration remains accessible to future generations of students, educators, and aspiring innovators.

Thing Big, and Do Great Things

Go For Launch exists to inspire young minds through science, technology, engineering, mathematics, history, and exploration. By restoring a historic Mercury capsule mock-up and developing engaging educational experiences, we aim to connect the achievements of the Space Age with the innovators, explorers, and problem solvers of tomorrow.

Our mission is simple: preserve history, ignite curiosity, and encourage future generations to pursue careers and opportunities that help build a brighter future.

Inspire Future Scientists and Engineers

Provide students with engaging opportunities to explore astronautics, aeronautics, engineering, physics, technology, and the history of space exploration. Through hands on experiences and interactive learning, we seek to spark lifelong curiosity and discovery.

Make STEM Education Exciting

Create memorable educational experiences that demonstrate science, engineering, and innovation in ways that are accessible, engaging, and rewarding. By combining historic artifacts with modern educational tools, we bring STEM learning to life.

Preserve the Legacy of Space Exploration

Honor the pioneering men and women who launched humanity into space while inspiring future generations to continue that journey. Through exhibits, educational programs, media resources, and community outreach, we connect the lessons of the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.

Discover the Mission

Preserving History. Inspiring Future Explorers.

Learn how a historic Mercury capsule became the foundation for a growing educational initiative dedicated to connecting people with America's Space Age. In this video, founder Mark Calhoun shares the history of the capsule, the restoration efforts that have spanned more than a decade, and the vision behind Go For Launch.

From preserving an important artifact to creating immersive learning opportunities for schools and communities, the mission remains the same: to inspire curiosity, celebrate innovation, and encourage the next generation of explorers, engineers, scientists, and dreamers.

Join The Conversation

The story of exploration is still being written. Whether you have a memory of the Space Race, a question about space exploration, an idea for the future of Go For Launch, or simply a thought you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Selected submissions may be featured on our Community Voices board to help inspire future explorers and keep the conversation alive.

What inspires you about space exploration, innovation, education, or the Go For Launch mission?

Be Part of the Journey

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, partnering, or simply learning more about the exhibit, we’d love to hear from you.

The next chapter of the Mercury capsule’s story is just beginning.