Capsule, Gemini XI
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Object Details
- Astronaut
- Charles Conrad, Jr.
- Manufacturer
- McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
- Astronaut
- Richard F. Gordon
- Summary
- Gemini 11 was launched on September 12, 1966, on a 3-day mission. Astronauts Pete Conrad (commander) and Dick Gordon (pilot) rendezvoused and docked with their Agena target vehicle on their first orbit around the Earth, pioneering a technique that would later be used in the Apollo lunar landings. The astronauts used the Agena's engine to reach a record-setting altitude of 1370 km (850 mi.). Dick Gordon also performed a 38 minute space walk in which he fastened a tether to the docked Agena. Artificial gravity was simulated by separating the Gemini from the tethered Agena and firing thrusters to create a slow spin. But Gordon experienced overheating and exhaustion during his space walk which showed that the problems of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) had not yet been solved.
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred Gemini 11 to the Smithsonian in August 1967.
- Credit Line
- Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Inventory Number
- A19680260000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- SPACECRAFT-Crewed
- Materials
- Structure: Titanium; cylindrical section: beryllium alloy; conical section: Rene 41 (nickel-steel alloy); heat shield: silicone elastomer
- Skin: Rene-41
- Sample of corrosion on hatch sent to Laboratory in March/2000 - copy of report in file
- Dimensions
- Overall: 130 in. tall x 89 in. wide (330.2 x 226.1cm)
- Other: 130 in. tall (330.2cm)
- Support (at base): 89 in. diameter (226.1cm)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19680260000
- Metadata Usage (text)
- Not determined
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv94d056842-210b-4269-aa85-4e14a7745167
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