Pitot Tube Covers, Paraglider Research Vehicle (Paresev) 1-A, Gemini

From 1962 to 1964, NASA used the Paresev to develop the technology for landing the two-man Gemini capsule on land, instead of parachuting into the ocean. The astronauts would release an inflatable paraglider wing based on the work of Francis Rogallo, and maneuver to a runway or dry lake bed. Astronauts "Gus" Grissom and Neil Armstrong were among those who piloted the Paresev during several hundred flights at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The Paresev was towed by a ground vehicle or a small aircraft and released at an altitude between 5,000 and 12,000 feet. Before the paraglider concept could be fully developed for Gemini, NASA decided to stick with the proven technology of parachutes and water landing.

These covers protected the pitot tubes that measured aircraft velocity and were removed before flight. NASA transferred them to the Smithsonian in 1968, along with the Paresev 1-A glider.