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 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 is a 100-pound thrust Gemini Orbital Attitude Maneuvering System (OAMS) thruster. OAMS thrusters: (1) provided thrust for the Gemini spacecraft to rendezvous with the Agena target vehicle; (2) controlled the spacecraft in orbit; (3) enabled separation of the Gemini from the second stage Titan launch vehicle and inserted it into orbit; and (4) provided abort capability. The OAMS consisted of 100-pound thrusters to maneuver the craft axially, vertically, and laterally; 85-pound motors for forward and rearward motions; and 25-pound motors to control the spacecraft in its pitch, yaw, and roll axes. The four 100-pound thrusters were located around the exterior middle of the crew cabin.

Gemini OAMS motors used hypergolic (self-igniting) propellants which made the system simple and reliable and eliminated the need for an igniter. They performed satisfactorily in all Gemini missions up to the conclusion of the program in November 1966.

The McDonnell Douglas Corporation gave this OAMS thruster to the Smithsonian Institution in 1969.

 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
Date ca. 1963-1966 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Rocketdyne, Division of North American Aviation Co.
 Dimensions Overall: 7 1/2 in. wide x 18 in. long x 4 in. diameter, 8.5 lb. (19.05 x 45.72 x 10.16cm, 3.9kg)
 Materials Overall, stainless steel; nozzle, phenolic
 Inventory Number A19690067000 Credit Line Gift of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.