The United States' first manned spaceflight, Mercury-Redstone 3 launched May 5, 1961, carrying astronaut Alan Shepard. Fifteen minutes and 28 seconds later, Freedom 7 splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, after reaching the peak of its sub-orbital trajectory, 116.5 statute miles above the Earth.

The attached swatch of fabric was cut by NASA telemetry technician Harold French from the 63 foot, main recovery parachute flown aboard Mercury-Redstone 3. Hoisted and hung in a hanger bay for several days after the flight, those involved with Project Mercury (including French) were given permission to cut off sections as a souvenir.