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This is a Mercury drogue parachute such as was used on the United States’ first human spacecraft. Manufactured by Radioplane Division of Northrop-Ventura in 1961, it is made largely of nylon and is 2 m (6 ft) in diameter when fully deployed. The drogue parachute deployed to stabilize the spacecraft before the deployment of the main parachute, which lowered the capsule into the water.

The NASA Manned Spacecraft Center transferred this artifact to the Smithsonian.

 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 EQUIPMENT-Parachutes Manufacturer Radioplane Div., Northrop Corporation
 Dimensions Approximate (as photographed): 147.32 x 203.2cm (4ft 10in. x 6ft 8in.);
24in. between shrouds;6 ft.diameter open
 Materials Synthetic Fabric, nylon, Adhesive
 Inventory Number A19731084000 Credit Line Transferred by 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.