Object Details
Manufacturer
Thiokol Chemical Corporation
Summary
This is a Gemini retro rocket that provided a means of slowing down the two-man Gemini Earth-orbiting U.S. manned spacecraft to permit its reentry into Earth's atmosphere. Four of the solid-fuel rockets fired successively. The rockets could also be used to separate the spacecraft from the launch vehicle in case of a high altitude launch abort but were never used for that purpose.
The retro rocket was fitted onto the top half of the spacecraft's adapter section. The motor produced a thrust of 2,580 pounds for about five seconds. The retro system was used in all ten manned Gemini missions from 1965-1966. This motor was donated to the Smithsonian in 1973 by the McDonnell-Douglas Corp.
Credit Line
McDonnell-Douglas Corporation
Inventory Number
A19731447000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Aluminum
Resin
Phenolic Resin
Rubber
Plastic
Paint
Adhesive
Stainless Steel
Dimensions
3-D (Approximate): 38.1 × 48.3cm (15 × 19 in.)
Storage (Wooden Crate): 125.7 × 105.4 × 157.5cm, 177.8kg (49 1/2 × 41 1/2 × 62 in., 392lb.)
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_A19731447000