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 provided thrust for the U.S. Gemini spacecraft to rendezvous with the Agena target vehicle, controlled the spacecraft in orbit, enabled the separation of the Gemini from the second stage Titan launch vehicle and inserted it into orbit, and 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 thrusters to control the Gemini craft in its pitch, yaw, and roll axes. Four 100-pound thrusters were situated at equidistant places around the middle of the crew cabin.

Gemini OAMS motors used the hypergolic (self-igniting) propellants, which made the system simple and reliable and eliminated the need for a separate igniter. In February 1962, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, the main contractor to NASA for the Gemini spacecraft, awarded a subcontract to North American Aviation's Rocketdyne Division for the development of the OAMS thrusters. Qualification tests on these systems were completed in August 1965, and they performed satisfactorily in all Gemini missiions until the conclusion of the program in November 1966.

McDonnell Douglas donated this truster to the Museum 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 PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Rocketdyne, Division of North American Aviation Co.
Dimensions 38.1 x 16.51 x 16.51cm (1ft 3in. x 6 1/2in. x 6 1/2in.) (Approximate)
Materials Stainless steel, aluminum, phenolic resin, adhesive tape, electrical wires, paint, adhesive labels, foam, plastic, paper, dessicant, adhesive.
Inventory Number A19690068000 Credit Line Gift of McDonnell Douglas Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.