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This is an unflown beryllium shingle of the type that covered the upper part of the Rendezvous and Recovery Section on the Gemini capsule. These shingles provided protection against the tremendous heat generated upon the capsule's reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. For added protection, their outer surface was painted with a blue-black ceramic paint and the inner surface had a very thin gold coating. Three firms supplied flat sheets of beryllium, which McDonnell finished into shingles. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred this artifact to NASM 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 SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components Manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft
 Dimensions Overall: 30 7/8 x 13 3/4 x 1 3/4 in. (78.4 x 34.9 x 4.4cm)
 Materials Beryllium
Paint
Gold
 Inventory Number A19720453000 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.