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

This oxygen tank is a piece from the Gemini model, which shows the complete, two-astronaut Gemini spacecraft as it appeared in orbit. The black reentry module with two hatches contained the pressurized crew cabin and had the heat shield. Unlike the Mercury and Apollo spacecraft, the Gemini did not have an escape tower to pull it away from the booster during a launch emergency. Instead the astronauts had ejection seats. The forward part of the nose section contained the parachutes and was jettisoned before landing in the ocean.

Behind the reentry module is the white adapter module, which had two parts. Nearest the cabin was the retrograde section, with four solid-fuel rockets to slow the Gemini down and bring it back to Earth. Farthest from the cabin was the equipment section containing propellants for the maneuvering thrusters, fuel cells for electric power, and life-support equipment for the cabin while in orbit. Each section was jettisoned in turn before reentry.

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 MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts Dimensions 3-D (Approximate, Diameter x Depth): 15.2 × 14cm (6 in. × 5 1/2 in.)
Storage: 41.9 × 40.6 × 22.2cm (16 1/2 in. × 16 in. × 8 3/4 in.)
Materials Steel
Paint
Adhesive Tape
Ink
Non-Magnetic White Metal Alloy
Inventory Number A19791438001 Credit Line Found in Collection. Donor Unknown. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.