This Day in Science History - July 21 - Alan Shepard

July 21st marks the passing of Alan Shepard. Shepard was one of the original seven Mercury astronauts and the first American to enter space. He was supposed to command the first Gemini mission for NASA but was removed from flight status when it was discovered his suffered from M?ni?re's disease.

M?ni?re's disease is a condition that affects the inner ear and can disrupt balance and hearing. It can also cause extreme vertigo in some cases and tinnitus. That's not the best condition to have as a test pilot, let alone an astronaut where disorientation is common to the job. NASA kept him on as the Chief of the Astronaut Office where he coordinated astronaut activities and training programs.

Fortunately for him, by May of 1969, a corrective surgery was developed to correct M?ni?re's disease and he was restored to flight status. He was assigned to be the commander of the Apollo 14 mission and became the fifth man to walk on the Moon.

Find out what else occurred on this day in science history.

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