This is an unflown parachute cover from the Corona photoreconnaissance satellite program. The film in the cameras was reeled onto the spools in film return capsules, the capsules separated from the rest of the satellite and reentered the atmosphere, and after the heat shield was jettisoned two parachutes deployed that enabled an Air Force plane to gather in the capsule. Covers such as this one protected the packed deceleration and main parachutes from the heat during reentry.
From August 1960 to May 1972, there were over 120 successful Corona missions that provided invaluable intelligence on the Soviet Union and other nations.
This cover was made by General Electric, and donated to NASM by the National Reconnaissance Office in 1995.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.