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This parachute fragment authographed by the members of the 6594th Test Group was given by them to Col. Edwin Meyer, USAF, to commemorate his service as commanding officer from 1965-1968. The 6594th Test Group flew C-130s out of Hickam AFB in Hawaii to retrieve the capsules containing exposed film from classified photoreconnaissance satellites. A trapeze-like apparatus was let out of the back of the aircraft and its recovery hooks snagged the lines of the capsule's parachute. The capsule and apparatus was then wound into the aircraft. The film was removed from the capsule at Hickam and flown to the East Coast for analysis.

Michael Meyer, the son of Col. Meyer, donated this artifact to the Museum in 2013.

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 MEMORABILIA Manufacturer Unknown
Dimensions Approximate: 101.6 × 39.4cm (40 × 15 1/2 in.)
Materials Fabric, Possibly Nylon
Ink
Possible Wax-Based Pigment
Inventory Number A20160027000 Credit Line Gift from the Family of Col. Edwin A. Meyer Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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