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 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

These structural panels are from cylindrical Reaction Control System section of Gemini VI-A. Walter M. "Wally" Schirra commanded Gemini VI-A and Thomas P. "Tom" Stafford was the pilot. Gemini VI was originally scheduled to rendezvous and dock with an Agena target vehicle in October 1965, but after that vehicle was destroyed during launch, the mission was renumbered VI-A and changed to a rendezvous with Gemini VII. Gemini VI-A was launched on December 15, 1965, eleven days after Gemini VII, which acted as the rendezvous target. Three orbits after its launch, Gemini VI-A approached to within 6 inches of Gemini VII, the first rendezvous in space history. The Gemini VI-A flight lasted 26 hours and 16 orbits.

The panels are likely parts flown on Gemini VI-A and replaced afterward during refurbishment for display. NASA transferred the spacecraft and components to the Smithsonian in 1968.

 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 Dimensions 3-D (Larger Panels, Average): 48.3 × 36.5 × 2.5cm (1 ft. 7 in. × 1 ft. 2 3/8 in. × 1 in.)
 Materials Non-Magnetic White Metals (Including Possible Aluminum Alloy)
Uncharacterized Coating
Inks
Wax
Composite Wood
 Inventory Number A19680266001 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.