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 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 Usage conditions may apply Usage conditions may apply

This chronograph was worn by astronaut Gordon Cooper, Commander of the Gemini V mission in August 1965. The Omega Speedmaster Chronograph was chosen by NASA for the U.S. space program after a series of rigorous tests demonstrated its high level of precision and reliability. Program requirements called for a manual-winding wrist chronograph that was water-proof, shock-proof, anti-magnetic, and able to withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and accelerations of 12 g's. The Omega Speedmaster was certified by NASA as the chronograph for the Gemini program in June 1965, and was also purchased for all programs that followed through today.

NASA transferred the astronaut chronographs to the Smithsonian in 1977.

Display Status

This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Destination Moon
Object Details
Country of Origin Switzerland Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr.
Manufacturer Omega Watch Co.
Dimensions 3-D: 13.3 x 4.1 x 1.9cm (5 1/4 x 1 5/8 x 3/4 in.)
Materials Stainless Steel, Hesalite (synthetic crystal), Paint
Inventory Number A19771140000 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.