This pilot parachute pulled off the nose section, deploying the main parachute that landed the Gemini VI-A spacecraft in the ocean. Walter M. "Wally" Schirra commanded the mission and Thomas P. "Tom" Stafford was the pilot. Gemini VI was originally scheduled to rendezvous and dock with an Agena target vehicle in October 1965, but after that vehicle was destroyed during launch, the mission was renumbered VI-A and changed to a rendezvous with Gemini VII. Gemini VI-A was launched on December 15, 1965, eleven days after Gemini VII, which acted as the rendezvous target. Three orbits after its launch, Gemini VI-A approached to within 6 inches of Gemini VII, the first rendezvous in space history. The Gemini VI-A flight lasted 26 hours and 16 orbits.
This parachute was recovered after splashdown of the spacecraft in the ocean. The NASA Manned Spacecraft Center transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1970.
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 (as photographed): 16.51 x 251.46 x 236.22cm (6 1/2in. x 8ft 3in. x 7ft 9in.)
Storage (Rehoused in PSC with 3 other parachutes): 75.3kg, 115.6 × 123.2 × 68.6cm (166lb., 45 1/2 in. × 48 1/2 in. × 27 in.)
Materials
adhesive, steel, Ripstop Nylon, Synthetic fabric
Inventory Number
A19731154000
Credit Line
Transferred from the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.