How much money did NASA use to build and launch friendship 7?

NASA spent approximately $1.5 million to build and launch Friendship 7, which was the first American manned spacecraft to orbit the Earth. Launched on February 20, 1962, the mission was part of the Mercury program and carried astronaut John Glenn. The total cost includes the spacecraft development, launch vehicle, and mission support. Adjusted for inflation, this amount would be significantly higher today.