National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA History Division

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This New Ocean: A History of Project Mercury

We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all people. For space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own.

Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man, and only if the United States occupies a position of preeminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new, terrifying theater of war.

Rice University Stadium

Houston, Texas

September 12, 1962

The NASA Historical Series
NASA SP-4201
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Scientific and Technical Information Division
Office of Technology Utilization
Washington, DC
Published 1966