Gemini 11 was launched on September 12, 1966, on a 3-day mission. Astronauts Pete Conrad (commander) and Dick Gordon (pilot) rendezvoused and docked with their Agena target vehicle on their first orbit around the Earth, pioneering a technique that would later be used in the Apollo lunar landings. The astronauts used the Agena's engine to reach a record-setting altitude of 1370 km (850 mi.). Dick Gordon also performed a 38 minute space walk in which he fastened a tether to the docked Agena. Artificial gravity was simulated by separating the Gemini from the tethered Agena and firing thrusters to create a slow spin. But Gordon experienced overheating and exhaustion during his space walk which showed that the problems of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) had not yet been solved.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred Gemini 11 to the Smithsonian in August 1967.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.