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 water dispenser was used for training purposes prior to the Gemini missions of the 1960s. Stainless steel dispensers such as this were an important part of the equipment carried aboard the spacecraft. It was designed to dispense measured amounts of hot or cold water into the food containers.

Feeding the astronauts a nutritious diet was of paramount importance, but problems associated with storage and dispensing had to be overcome. Due to space and weight considerations, food had to be lightweight and have the ability to be compressed when possible, so many items were dehydrated for later rehydration and consumption. For the early missions, food also had to be stored without refrigeration.

NASA transferred this object to the National Air and Space Museum in 1967.

 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 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Food & Food Accessories Manufacturer Whirlpool Corporation
 Dimensions 3-D: 15.2 x 5.1 x 19.1cm (6 x 2 x 7 1/2 in.)
 Materials Overall: Aluminium, stainless steel, plastic
 Inventory Number A19680274000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.