1 Images

This main parachute deployed at about 2700 m (9000 ft) and landed the Gemini IX-A spacecraft in the Atlantic Ocean. The crew, Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene Cernan, launched from Cape Kennedy on June 3, 1966. After the loss of the original Agena target vehicle during launch on May 17, the substitute vehicle, the Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA), was launched on June 1. Because the shroud failed to deploy properly, no docking could be performed, but the crew successfully performed three different types of rendezvous. Gene Cernan executed the second extra-vehicular activity (EVA) or "space walk" of the Gemini program, but severely overheated due to an overambitious plan and lack of experience with EVAs. After 45 orbits, Stafford and Cernan splashed down on June 6, just 0.7 km from the target.

NASA transferred this parachute to the Smithsonian in 1970.

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

EQUIPMENT-Parachutes

Manufacturer

Northrop Ventura

Dimensions

Approximate: 33.02 x 939.8 x 304.8cm (1ft 1in. x 30ft 10in. x 10ft)
Storage (Rehoused in PSC): 115.6 × 123.2 × 89.5cm, 128.8kg (45 1/2 × 48 1/2 × 35 1/4 in., 284lb.)

Materials

Ripstop nylon, Nylon, Synthetic fabric, Steel, Aluminum, Adhesive, Natural Fabric, Plastic

Inventory Number

A19731155000

Credit Line

Transferred from the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.