Overall: 30 7/8 x 14 1/4 x 1 3/4 in. (78.4 x 36.2 x 4.4cm)
Type:
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Summary:
This is an unflown beryllium shingle of the type that covered the upper part of the Rendezvous and Recovery Section on the Gemini capsule. These shingles provided protection against the tremendous heat generated upon the capsule's reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. For added protection, their outer surface was painted with a blue-black ceramic paint and the inner surface had a very thin gold coating. Three firms supplied flat sheets of beryllium, which McDonnell finished into shingles. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred this artifact to NASM in 1970.
Credit Line:
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
