article_snippet: But  the groundbreaking mission isn’t necessarily remembered for this feat.
article_snippet: a controversial incident that was debated all the way to Congress was explained by Robert Pearlman at Collectspace, .
article_snippet: And in the Sixties, at the dawn of the space age, restrictions were more enforced than ever as Nasa wanted to ensure each risky mission passed without a hitch.
article_snippet: All were essential skills to land on the moon and return safely to Earth.
article_snippet: This paved the way to the manoeuvres needed for the success of the Apollo missions.
article_snippet: But the stunt, although amusing, could have had serious consequences.
article_snippet: The rest of the almost five-hour mission passed without incident and the astronauts were  treated to stunning views as they orbited Earth.
article_snippet: But on they return to Earth, the astronauts soon found that not everyone had seen the funny side of they exchange in orbit.
article_snippet: Despite the incident, the astronauts inside were not prohibited from flying again.
highlights_snippet: astronauts - Gus Grissom and John Young were severely reprimanded in US Congress .