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Model, Spacecraft, Gemini, 1:4 Scale

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Manufacturer
Unknown
Summary
This is a 1:4 scale model of the Gemini spacecraft as it appeared in orbit. The black reentry module with two hatches had the pressurized crew cabin and the heat shield. Unlike the Mercury and Apollo spacecraft, Gemini did not have an escape tower to pull it away from the booster during a launch emergency. Instead the astronauts had ejection seats. The forward part of the nose section contained the parachutes and other equipment and was jettisoned before landing in the ocean.
Behind the reentry module is the white adapter module, which had two parts. Nearest the cabin was the retrograde section, with four solid-fuel rockets to bring the Gemini back to Earth. Farthest from the cabin was the equipment section containing propellants for the maneuvering thrusters, fuel cells for electric power, and life-support equipment for the cabin. Each section was jettisoned in turn before reentry. The manufacturer of this model is unknown.
NASA gave it to the Smithsonian in 1972.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19730251000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts
Materials
Plastic, Paint, Epoxy, Steel, Cadmium Plating
Dimensions
Approximate: 78.74 x 146.05cm (2ft 7in. x 4ft 9 1/2in.)
Storage: 90.17 x 90.17 x 153.04cm (2ft 11 1/2in. x 2ft 11 1/2in. x 5ft 1/4in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A19730251000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv90f970d2d-8d63-451e-aa64-acc91345fdbb

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