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The Grave of Miss Baker: A Space Pioneer Remembered

Pay tribute to Miss Baker, the pioneering monkeynaut, at her gravesite at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

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Visit the final resting place of Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey and pioneering 'monkeynaut' who flew into space in 1959. Her grave at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center serves as a tribute to the animals that paved the way for human space exploration.

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Local tips

  • The grave is located just outside the entrance to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and can be visited without purchasing admission.
  • Consider bringing a banana to leave on Miss Baker's grave, a tradition among visitors.
  • Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to learn more about Miss Baker's mission and the history of space exploration.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is located off I-565 in Huntsville. Take exit 15 for US-231/US-431 and follow the signs. Free parking is available on-site. Miss Baker's grave is located near the main entrance, to the right of the walkway in a grove of trees, close to the gift shop and bus drop-off area.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Huntsville to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between $12 and $15 for the ride. Ask the driver to drop you off near the main entrance. The grave is located to the right of the walkway in a grove of trees, near the gift shop and bus drop-off area.

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Discover more about The Grave of Miss Baker

At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, lies the grave of Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey who, along with a rhesus macaque named Miss Able, became one of the first animals launched into space by the United States to safely return. On May 28, 1959, Miss Baker and Miss Able were launched aboard a Jupiter rocket, enduring a 16-minute flight that reached an altitude of 300 miles and included nine minutes of weightlessness. This mission was a crucial step in understanding the effects of space travel on living beings. While Miss Able passed away shortly after the flight, Miss Baker lived to the age of 27, becoming the oldest living squirrel monkey on record. She became a beloved figure, receiving fan mail and making appearances on television. In 1971, she was moved to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where she delighted visitors with her playful antics. Miss Baker's grave is located near the entrance of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, marked by a granite headstone. Visitors often leave bananas on her grave as a tribute to her contribution to space exploration. Her legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of scientific advancement.

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