A heat shield protected the two-man Gemini spacecraft against the enormous heat of reentry into the atmosphere beginning at a velocity of more than 27,500 kilometers (17,000 miles) per hour. Like those of other early human spacecraft, Gemini's heat shield derived from ballistic-missile warhead technology. The dish-shaped shield created a shock wave in the atmosphere that held off most of the heat. The rest dissipated by ablation: charring and evaporation of the shield's surface. Ablative heat shields are not reusable.
The ablative substance of the Gemini heat shield is a paste-like silicone elastomer material which hardens after being poured into a honeycomb form. In 1970 McDonnell-Douglas gave this unused heat shield to the Smithsonian on behalf of NASA.
Display Status
This object is on display in Human Spaceflight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 7 ft. 8 in. diameter, 240 lb. (233.68cm, 108.9kg)
Materials
Base: Resin-impregnated fiberglass; Honeycomb filling: Dow-Corning DC-325 ablative material; Outer ring: Fiberite
Alternate Name
Gemini Heat Shield, Unablated
Inventory Number
A19781815000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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