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From 1962 to 1964, NASA used the Paresev to develop the technology for landing the two-man Gemini capsule on land, instead of parachuting into the ocean. The astronauts would release an inflatable paraglider wing based on the work of Francis Rogallo, and maneuver to a runway or dry lake bed. Astronauts "Gus" Grissom and Neil Armstrong were among those who piloted the Paresev during several hundred flights at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The Paresev was towed by a ground vehicle or a small aircraft and released at an altitude between 5,000 and 12,000 feet. Before the paraglider concept could be fully developed for Gemini, NASA decided to stick with the proven technology of parachutes and water landing.

These covers protected the pitot tubes that measured aircraft velocity and were removed before flight. NASA transferred them to the Smithsonian in 1968, along with the Paresev 1-A glider.

 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-Miscellaneous Manufacturer NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center
 Dimensions 3-D: 121.9 x 5.7 x 3.2cm (48 x 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 in.)
 Materials Fabric, rubber, brass, steel, aluminum, paint, paper, adhesive tape
 Inventory Number A19700076003 Credit Line Transferred from 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.