Object Details
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft
Summary
This is a partial backboard assembly, which was part of a Gemini capsule's seat. The astronaut's back rested against a specially contoured cushion attached to the front of the assembly. This assembly contains the inertia reel, ballute, ballute release and deploy mechanism. It does not have the drogue mortar, parachute, or survival kit. If an astronaut ejected during an abort or emergency, the astronaut remained with the assembly and seat until his parachute deployed. McDonnell Aircraft manufactured the frame, while Pacific Scientific and Ordnance Associates made the subsystems.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred the artifact to NASM in 1970.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronuatics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19720488000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Aluminum, anodized aluminum, steel, stainless steel mesh, nylon, paint, brass, plastic, adhesive tape, synthetic fabric
Dimensions
Other: 58.42 x 60.96 x 10.16cm (1ft 11in. x 2ft x 4in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19720488000