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Catalog Data

Astronaut:
Charles Conrad, Jr.  Search this
Richard F. Gordon  Search this
Manufacturer:
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.  Search this
Materials:
Structure: Titanium; cylindrical section: beryllium alloy; conical section: Rene 41 (nickel-steel alloy); heat shield: silicone elastomer
Skin: Rene-41
Sample of corrosion on hatch sent to Laboratory in March/2000 - copy of report in file
Dimensions:
Overall: 130 in. tall x 89 in. wide (330.2 x 226.1cm)
Other: 130 in. tall (330.2cm)
Support (at base): 89 in. diameter (226.1cm)
Type:
SPACECRAFT-Crewed
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Summary:
Gemini 11 was launched on September 12, 1966, on a 3-day mission. Astronauts Pete Conrad (commander) and Dick Gordon (pilot) rendezvoused and docked with their Agena target vehicle on their first orbit around the Earth, pioneering a technique that would later be used in the Apollo lunar landings. The astronauts used the Agena's engine to reach a record-setting altitude of 1370 km (850 mi.). Dick Gordon also performed a 38 minute space walk in which he fastened a tether to the docked Agena. Artificial gravity was simulated by separating the Gemini from the tethered Agena and firing thrusters to create a slow spin. But Gordon experienced overheating and exhaustion during his space walk which showed that the problems of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) had not yet been solved.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred Gemini 11 to the Smithsonian in August 1967.
Credit Line:
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number:
A19680260000
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv94d056842-210b-4269-aa85-4e14a7745167
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A19680260000