This star chart was used to train Gemini astronauts for missions in Earth orbit in 1965-66. Project Gemini was the second U.S. human spaceflight program. During those two years, NASA launched ten two-man Gemini spacecraft to gain experience in orbital maneuvers, rendezvous and docking, extra-vehicular activity (EVA or "space walking") and missions of up to two weeks in length. Gemini paved the way for the Apollo missions to the Moon. During their stay in orbit, the astronauts used star charts such as this one to find particular stars for navigation or scientific experiments.
NASA Johnson Space Center (then called the Manned Spacecraft Center) in Houston, Texas, gave this chart to the Smithsonian before 1971.
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-Training Devices
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 28 x 17cm (11 in. x 6 11/16 in.)
Materials
paper; plastic sleeve
Inventory Number
A19870214000
Credit Line
Transferred from the NASA Johnson Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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