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 beryllium shingle of the type that covered the Reentry Control System (RCS) Section on the Gemini capsule. It has the two holes for the nozzles of the small, liquid propellant engines inside the RCS that were used for controlling attitude and maneuvering. The shingles provided protection against the tremendous heat generated upon the capusle'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 in to 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: 48.6 x 36.4 x 3.8cm (19 1/8 x 14 5/16 x 1 1/2 in.)
 Materials Beryllium, Gold, Paint, Ink, Graphite
 Inventory Number A19720492000 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.