PAST TO PRESENT • HISTORY TO REALITY

From The First Step Into Space To The Next Generation Of Explorers

Go For Launch is restoring a historic Mercury capsule that once inspired Americans during the Space Race. Through STEM education, hands-on learning, and educational outreach, we’re connecting the story of early space exploration with the innovators and aerospace pioneers.

Explore a Piece of Space History

Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

At the heart of Go For Launch is founder Mark Calhoun, whose passion for space history and STEM education has driven this project for more than a decade.

What began as the discovery of a rare Mercury capsule evolved into a mission to preserve an important piece of American space history while creating new opportunities for learning and inspiration.

Through years of research, restoration, and dedication, Mark has worked to bring this historic spacecraft back to life—not simply as a museum artifact, but as a hands-on educational experience that can inspire future scientists, engineers, innovators, and explorers.

Today, Go For Launch continues that mission by connecting the achievements of the past with the possibilities of the future.

The Preservationist

For more than 10 years, Mark has worked to preserve and restore a rare Mercury capsule, ensuring this important piece of American space history can be experienced by future generations.

The Educator

Mark believes history is most powerful when it can be experienced firsthand. Through interactive exhibits and STEM outreach, he helps bring the story of the Space Race to life.

The Visionary

Through Go For Launch, Mark's goal is to inspire curiosity, innovation, and exploration while encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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.

Why Go For Launch Matters

Preserving History

This rare Mercury capsule connects visitors directly to one of the most important chapters in American space exploration. Once used for educational outreach during the Space Race, it now serves as a living link to the pioneers who helped launch humanity into space.

Inspiring Discovery

Through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and engaging storytelling, Go For Launch transforms history into an educational experience that sparks curiosity and imagination.

Launching Future Explorers

Founder Mark Calhoun's vision extends beyond restoration. The goal is to inspire students, educators, scientists, engineers, and innovators who will help shape the future of exploration and discovery.

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.

Voices That Inspire Our Mission

For more than a decade, founder Mark Calhoun has worked to preserve a rare piece of American space history. Along the way, the vision behind Go For Launch has been guided by the same spirit of curiosity, innovation, and exploration that defined the pioneers of the Space Race.

These words from John Glenn and President John F. Kennedy continue to inspire our mission: preserving history, inspiring future generations, and encouraging tomorrow's explorers to reach beyond the horizon.

"The most important thing we can do is to inspire young minds to advance in science, math and education. If we do so, youngsters will be the economic engines that propel America to a brighter future."

John Glenn. Mercury Astronaut, Senator, and American Hero

"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."

President John F. Kennedy. Rice University, September 12, 1962

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

Help Launch The Next Generation

Whether you’re a supporter, educator, volunteer, donor, or space enthusiast, you can help bring this historic Mercury capsule back to life and inspire future scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Together, we’re preserving history while helping shape the future.