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

This is an unflown Gemini personnel parachute. These nylon parachutes would be used only in aborts and emergencies where the astronauts had to eject from the capsules. They were located at the right rear of each astronaut's backboard and their risers were attached to the astronaut's personal harness. After the astronaut had ejected from the capsule, a drogue mortar fired at or below 5,700 feet altitude, which separated the backboard/seat from the astronaut and deployed the parachute.

Northrop Ventura made this parachute in 1965. In 1971, McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company in St. Louis transferred many leftover artifacts from the Gemini program to the Smithsonian on behalf of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including this parachute. The former McDonnell Aircraft Corporation had manufactured the Gemini spacecraft.

 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 Northrop Ventura
 Dimensions Approximate: 31.75 x 59.69 x 33.66cm (1ft 1/2in. x 1ft 11 1/2in. x 1ft 1 1/4in.) (crate)
 Materials Nylon, Brass, Steel, Aluminum, Paper, Adhesive, Velcro, Plastic, Teflon, Ripstop Nylon
 Inventory Number A19720475000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.