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This is a Gemini retro rocket that provided a means of slowing down the two-man Gemini Earth-orbiting U.S. manned spacecraft to permit its reentry into Earth's atmosphere. Four of the solid-fuel rockets fired successively. The rockets could also be used to separate the spacecraft from the launch vehicle in case of a high altitude launch abort but were never used for that purpose.

The retro rocket was fitted onto the top half of the spacecraft's adapter section. The motor produced a thrust of 2,580 pounds for about five seconds. The retro system was used in all ten manned Gemini missions from 1965-1966. This motor was donated to the Smithsonian in 1973 by the McDonnell-Douglas Corp.

 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 PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Thiokol Chemical Corporation
 Dimensions 3-D (Approximate): 38.1 × 48.3cm (15 × 19 in.)
Storage (Wooden Crate): 125.7 × 105.4 × 157.5cm, 177.8kg (49 1/2 × 41 1/2 × 62 in., 392lb.)
 Materials Aluminum
Resin
Phenolic Resin
Rubber
Plastic
Paint
Adhesive
Stainless Steel
 Inventory Number A19731447000 Credit Line McDonnell-Douglas Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.