Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This cable was attached to the drogue parachute that deployed at high altitude to stabilize the reentering Gemini VI-A spacecraft before the main parachute deployed. Walter M. "Wally" Schirra commanded Gemini VI-A and Thomas P. "Tom" Stafford was the pilot. Gemini VI was originally scheduled to rendezvous and dock with an Agena target vehicle in October 1965, but after that vehicle was destroyed during launch, the mission was renumbered VI-A and changed to a rendezvous with Gemini VII. Gemini VI-A was launched on December 15, 1965, eleven days after Gemini VII, which acted as the rendezvous target. Three orbits after its launch, Gemini VI-A approached to within 6 inches of Gemini VII, the first rendezvous in space history.

The cable was flown on Gemini VI-A and recovered afterwards from the ocean. NASA transferred the spacecraft and components to the Smithsonian in 1968.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components Dimensions 3-D: 279.4 × 2.5cm (9 ft. 2 in. × 1 in.)
 Materials Synthetic Fiber Fabric
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Foam
Aluminum
 Inventory Number A19680266008 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.