Source checked by DailyFact editors

John Glenn orbited Earth at 17,500 mph

On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, traveling at 17,500 miles per hour.

More history facts

Why it is true

He flew 160 miles above the planet and piloted Friendship 7 by hand when the autopilot failed. Glenn was back on Earth after five hours.

Check the source

We keep the original reference beside the claim so you can inspect the evidence and surrounding context yourself.

Open U.S. National Archives

More from history facts

Source checked

The Great Wall is a network, not one wall

The Great Wall of China is a system of fortifications built and rebuilt across different regions and dynasties.

See why it is true

Source checked

Art was once an Olympic competition

The modern Olympic Games awarded medals for works inspired by sport from 1912 through 1948.

See why it is true

Source checked

An ancient vending machine dispensed holy water

Hero of Alexandria described a coin-operated device that released a measured amount of holy water nearly 2,000 years ago.

See why it is true

Give curiosity one minute.

See how DailyFact turns 500,000+ ideas into a simple daily ritual.

Download for Mac