Media Center

Preserving History. Sharing Discovery.

Explore the images, videos, and stories that connect a historic Mercury capsule to a new generation of explorers.

HISTORIC ARCHIVE

Preserving a Piece of America's Space Age

At the heart of Go For Launch is a rare Mercury capsule educational exhibit with a remarkable history. Originally built during the dawn of America's space program, the capsule traveled the country as part of the 1962 Freedom Bond Campaign before appearing at the 1964–65 New York World's Fair. More than sixty years later, this historic artifact continues its journey by connecting students, educators, and communities with the pioneers who helped launch humanity into space.

Through preservation, storytelling, and educational outreach, Go For Launch ensures that this important chapter of American innovation remains accessible for future generations.

RESTORATION & PRESERVATION

Protecting the Past. Inspiring the Future.

Behind every historic artifact is someone committed to preserving its story.

For more than a decade, Mark Calhoun has devoted his time, energy, and passion to restoring and preserving the Mercury capsule that serves as the centerpiece of Go For Launch. What began as a commitment to protecting a rare piece of space history has grown into a mission to educate, inspire, and connect people with one of the most exciting eras in human achievement.

Through extensive research, restoration efforts, public exhibits, and educational programming, Mark has helped ensure that this remarkable artifact remains accessible to students, educators, and communities. Today, the capsule stands not only as a symbol of America's Space Age, but also as a reminder that preserving history helps inspire the innovators and explorers of tomorrow.

THE EXHIBIT TODAY

A Living Educational Experience

Today, the Mercury capsule is more than a historic artifact, it's a powerful educational tool. Through traveling exhibits, STEM programming, presentations, and community outreach, Go For Launch brings the story of America's Space Age directly to students, educators, and lifelong learners.

Participants experience firsthand the history, innovation, and determination that helped launch humanity into space while discovering how those same principles continue to drive exploration today. Each event is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage learning, and connect audiences with one of the most exciting chapters in American history.

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.

Featured on PBS WHYY

Sharing Our Story With a Wider Audience

In 2020, PBS WHYY featured Mark Calhoun and the Mercury Capsule Restoration Project on their You Oughta Know program. The segment highlighted the capsule's remarkable history, Mark's restoration efforts, and the mission behind Go For Launch.

By sharing this story with viewers across the region, the feature helped raise awareness about preserving American space history while inspiring future generations through education, exploration, and discovery.

The Dream That Changed the World

Honoring Apollo 11. Inspiring Tomorrow's Explorers.

When Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in July 1969, it demonstrated what could be accomplished when innovation, determination, and imagination came together in pursuit of a common goal. It was a defining moment not only for America, but for all humanity. The mission inspired generations of scientists, engineers, educators, and explorers to dream bigger and reach farther.

This tribute from founder Mark Calhoun celebrates the legacy of Apollo 11 and the pioneers who made it possible. At Go For Launch, we believe preserving the history of the Space Race is about more than remembering the past, it's about inspiring the next generation to shape the future of exploration, innovation, and discovery

Partner With Go For Launch

We’re actively seeking educators, community organizations, museums, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who share our passion for preserving history and inspiring future generations.

Whether you’re interested in hosting the exhibit, collaborating on programming, or supporting our educational mission, we’d love to start a conversation.